LIVE EXPORT — MARINE FUEL SULPHUR CONTENT

2084. Hon Alison Xamon to the Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Ports; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade:

I refer to the 1 January 2020 deadline for a 0.5 percent cap on sulphur content in marine fuel mandated by the International Maritime Organisation, and I ask:

(a)  given that the live export fleet is the oldest saltwater fleet in the world, what impact does the Minister expect the new regulatory standards will have on live export operations;

(b)  is the Government assisting live export companies to uphold their obligations under the new standard;

(c)  if yes to (b), in what way;

(d)  what, if any, other strategies are being proposed to ensure that these new standards are upheld;

(e)  is the Government encouraging a transition to onshore processing; and

(f)  if no to (e), why not?

Hon Alannah MacTiernan replied:

(a)–(d) The new MARPOL Annex VI standards pertaining to low sulphur fuel requirements will apply to all international trading ships over the relevant tonnage thresholds. The Australian Government response to the new standards will be enforced by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. It is our expectation that all shipping companies will need to take the financial responsibility for upgrading the operation of their vessels.

(e)  The Government is working with the Western Australian sheep industry to look at opportunities to increase the proportion of the sheep flock that are processed onshore.

(f)  Not applicable.

 

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