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  4. 【11/01/2022~12/31/2023 】Feasibility of Restricting the Use of Fuel Oil with a Sulfur Content Below 0.1% by Taiwan's Seven Major International Commercial Ports and Coastal Waters
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Research overview

In accordance with Article 14 of Appendix VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented a sulfur restriction policy for marine fuel in order to reduce hazardous air pollution caused by the combustion of marine fuel. Beginning in 2020, the sulfur content of fuel oil used by vessels sailing in global waters should not exceed 0.5% by weight (Taiwan has advanced the implementation date to 2020 in international commercial ports) and should not exceed 0.1% in specific Emission Control Areas. In addition, some Asian regions (such as China and Korea) require vessels to implement a 0.1% sulfur restriction in their specific waters according to their domestic laws.

In consideration of the impact of marine fuel on the health of coastal residents, the Ocean Affairs Council convened the 10th committee on March 31, 2021, and requested that the relevant authorities evaluate the feasibility of using marine fuel with a sulfur content of 0.1% by weight in Taiwan's domestic waters, similar to that used abroad. In addition, according to the conclusion of the "Special Consultative Meeting to Evaluate the Feasibility of Tightening the Sulfur Content of Marine Fuel" held by the Environmental Protection Administration of the Executive Yuan on November 3, 2021, it was proposed that international commercial ports should be the priority target for evaluation, and that an appropriate implementation schedule and supportive measures should be evaluated in order to collect the opinions of industry, government, and the public. It also proposed that the use of marine fuel with a sulfur content of 0.1% by weight be extended to vessels outside the port area (within the territorial waters). To make a detailed assessment of the "feasibility of restricting the use of fuel oil with a sulfur content below 0.1% by my nation's seven major international commercial ports and coastal waters," relevant supporting measures must be formulated, and industry, government, and academic experts must be consulted. To evaluate the feasibility of restricting the use of fuel oil with a sulfur content of 0.1% or less for vessels in Taiwan's seven major international commercial ports and near-shore waters, as well as to draft relevant supporting measures and solicit industry, government, and academic opinions.