The Arctic Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) ban has now officially come into effect, but campaigners argue that loopholes in the regulation mean this dirty fuel will pollute the environment for many years to come.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the London-headquartered specialised agency of the UN responsible for regulating maritime transport, has enforced the Arctic HFO ban from 1 July 2024.

This regulation bans the use and carriage of HFO as fuel by Arctic shipping.

HFO is widely used in shipping around the world, especially tankers. According to the IMO, it accounts for 80% of marine fuel used worldwide.

HFO is a thick, tar-like fossil fuel that is relatively cheap to produce. It has devastating consequences if spilled, especially in icy waters as it breaks down very slowly and is almost impossible to clean up.

But it’s not just the risk of spillage that is detrimental for the environment – so is the burning of the fuel. The exhaust fumes from burning HFO cause black carbon particles...