(1) Reasons for Proposal

This Amendment aims to incorporate in the domestic law amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) aimed at reducing sulfur oxide discharge from ships.

(2) Major Provisions

A. Lower the permissible limits on sulfur content in ship fuel oil (Amendment to Article 42, paragraphs 1 and 2)

1) It is necessary to incorporate in the domestic law the permissible limits on sulfur oxide content in ship fuel oil amended pursuant to the MARPOL.

2) Lower the permissible content of sulfur oxides in diesel oil, bunker A oil (heavy oil A), bunker B oil (heavy oil B), and bunker C oil (heavy oil C) from the current 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 3.5%, respectively, to a flat rate of 0.5% (Article 42, paragraph 1), and lower the permissible limits on sulfur oxide content in the sulfur oxide discharge regulated sea area from the current 1.0% to 0.1% (Article 42, paragraph 2)
3) As the permissible limits on sulfur oxides in ship fuel oil are lowered, the discharge amount of sulfur oxides during ship operation is expected to be reduced.