Taiwan – Low Sulphur Fuel Rules in 2019 *Update*

04 December 2018

Taiwanese authorities confirm that marine fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5% must be used within port areas from 1 January 2019.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) state that all vessels must burn compliant fuel (or use accepted equivalent measures – such as scrubbers) when entering the “international commercial port areas under the jurisdiction of the Republic of China”.

MOTC have listed seven ports where the regulation will take effect:

• Port of Keelung
• Port of Taichung
• Port of Kaohsiung
• Port of Hualien
• Port of Taipei
• Port of Suao
• Port of Anping

The Taiwanese have issued a notice which also provides the co-ordinates of the boundaries of each port where the sulphur limits will take effect.

26 March 2018

All vessels calling at Kaohsiung must use 0.5 % m/m sulphur fuel or other compliant fuel from 1 January 2019 in accordance with a statement issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC).

To encourage the switch to lower sulphur fuel earlier than 2019 Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications will subsidise vessels with compliant fuel. The subsidy equivalent to approximately US $ 172 will apply to vessels entering Kaohsiung ports between 1st February 2018 and 31st December 2018 unless the available funding runs out before then.

Some articles on the internet suggest that the above applies to all ports in Taiwan, however according to our correspondents Taiwan Maritime Services Ltd and Comos Marine Surveyors and Consultants this only applies to Kaohsiung port. Due to apparent confusion we would suggest that Members check with their local Agents prior to arrival at the Taiwanese port.