The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a marine notice for cruise vessel owners and operators aimed at limiting sulfur emissions from cruise ships when at berth in the Port of Sydney Harbour.

From December 2016, cruise vessels capable of accommodating more than 100 passengers and at berth in Sydney Harbour have been issued with a direction by AMSA.

The direction requires the vessel to limit sulfur emissions by using low sulfur fuel or an alternative measure that achieves an equivalent outcome.

The measure includes using fuel with a sulfur content not exceeding 0.1 % mass percent concentration, using an exhaust gas cleaning system, certified and approved in accordance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems 2015, using a power source external to the vessel or using a combination of any of the above measures.

AMSA said the limit on sulfur emissions will apply from one hour after the vessel’s arrival at berth until one hour before the vessel’s departure.

The direction will have effect for all of the vessel’s berthing activities within the port for a period of two years, subject to review, according to AMSA.