A new regulation from the United Nations shipping agency has come into effect, banning ships from using or carrying heavy bunker fuel oil in Arctic waters.

The move aimed to prevent devastating oil spills in the sensitive Arctic environment, home to species such as walrus, polar bears, and beluga whales.

The ban, adopted in 2021 by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), would help protect the Arctic ecosystem from the harmful effects of heavy fuel oil (HFO) spills.

However, environmental groups argued that the ban does not go far enough, as it only applies to a limited geographic area and does not address the issue of black carbon emissions from ships, which contribute to climate change.

Despite the ban taking effect on July 1, it would not be fully enforced until 2029 due to exemptions. However, some Arctic coastal countries have indicated that they will take immediate action to implement the ban.

Heavy fuel oil is a cheap and thick residual waste from the oil refining process, making it difficult to clean up in the event of a spill.

As climate change opens up the Arctic region to increased shipping, the risk of a spill is also increased, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to protect the environment.

The Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of 20 environmental groups, welcomed the ban but calls for more comprehensive action to address the impact of shipping on the Arctic environment.

“Shipping in the Arctic continues to increase, and the region is at heightened risk of a spill,” said Sian Prior, lead advisor of the Clean Arctic Alliance.

Boluwatife Enome

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