Russia and Canada have notified the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that they will not join the voluntary ban on the use and transport of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in the Arctic. According to analysts, Canada's decision is likely temporary until the formal adoption of the relevant agreement, while Russia intends to use heavy fuel oil for at least another five years.
"The refusal to join the ban shows how painful the transition remains for parts of the fleet. However, this is temporary: environmental requirements will only become stricter, and sooner or later shipping companies will have to adapt," comments Viktor Genkulov, a marine engineer and ship mechanic with the international company SIFSERVICE L.T.D. Viktor works on the operation and modernization of marine power plants, including projects to reduce emissions and transition vessels to more environmentally friendly fuels. This year, he joined the Expert Commission of the "Ukrainian Quality Mark. Best Products and Services of the Year" Award, evaluating companies in marine engineering, ship systems repair and maintenance, power plants, and yachts.
