New sulphur limits in marine fuel

The guidance informs about the forthcoming new regulations in the territorial waters of the European Union and the coast of the U.S. State of California. Both legal entities have announced new limits on sulphur content of fuel oils that come into force 2010-01-01 or 2012-01-01 (Phase II) respectively.

GL has issued the guidance because the switch to low sulphur fuel oil before entering port or territorial waters could in fact cause major propulsion or engine failures.

GL's guidance on maintaining engine and boiler safety when using LSDO concentrates on fuel tank capacity and arrangements, service tank arrangement, fuel oil supply system, main propulsion and auxiliary engines, main and auxiliary boilers, in particular boiler burner and burner control systems.

The guidance points out that there is a potential need for Inspection/Approval/Certification before using LSDO. Since it is the sole responsibility of the operator to ensure that his vessel is suited for operation on the fuels required by e.g. the EU Directive 2005/33/EC, GL recommends to contact equipment manufacturer or associated system provider prior to the operation of any equipment with LSDO. It is safety critical whether the pumps, engines, boilers and burners are ready to handle and burn LSDO. In case the use of LSDO requires modifications of the equipment and systems class approval and survey have to be conducted in order to ensure safe operation.

Click here for GL's guidance on maintaining engine and boiler safety when using LSDO.