July 7 - Today has seen the formation of the Trident Alliance - a shipping industry initiative for the enforcement of maritime sulphur regulations.

The Trident Alliance is a coalition of ship owners and operators that share a common interest in the enforcement of maritime sulphur regulation and are willing to collaborate to help bring it about. The current members include: American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (ARRC), EUKOR Car Carriers Inc, Höegh Autoliners, J. Lauritzen, Maersk, Rickmers-Linie, Stena, Torvald Klaveness, UECC, Unifeeder and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics.

Roger Strevens, vice president environment of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, who has been elected chairman of The Trident Alliance, explained: "Robust enforcement of sulphur regulation is needed for health and the environment and, from the perspective of maintaining a level playing field, it is a business imperative. Already during its formation the Trident Alliance has raised awareness of the current shortcomings of enforcement and related consequences, particularly in the European ECA. Now our work starts in earnest."

The alliance will use a number of different strategies to bring about robust and transparent enforcement, which is likely to vary from country to country, and will raise awareness globally. It will also communicate with industry stakeholders regarding innovations in enforcement technologies.

www.tridentalliance.org