European Parliament MEPs have called for a ban on the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) by ships operating in the Arctic. The decision was made by the European Parliament’s environment committee and was supported by almost all of the political groups. HFO use and carriage is already banned in the Antarctic. HFO currently accounts for 75% of fuel used by Arctic-going ships. Sian Prior, lead advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, said that the resolution was “a clear message to the International Maritime Organisation that European citizens want a ban on the use of HFO in the Arctic adopted by 2020”. The IMO’s marine environment protection committee is next scheduled to meet in July.