Classification society DNV GL on Tuesday (7 January) published an article outlining the details of the carriage ban that will be effective from 1 March:
Now, with the new global 0.50% sulphur limit in force, next on the regulatory timeline is the carriage ban effective from 1 March. From this date, high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) cannot be carried in the fuel oil tanks unless the vessel is fitted with an approved equivalent arrangement.
The carriage ban
After deciding on, and adopting, the new global sulphur limit for fuel oil, the discussion started on how to ensure a level playing field and enforcement on the high seas. The solution is the so-called “carriage ban” meaning that unless you have an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS), the ship is not allowed to carry any fuel exceeding 0.50% sulphur in the fuel tanks. The rational for the ban is that if you are not allowed to use the fuel, there is no reason to carry it.
Regulation 14.1 of MARPOL Annex VI will now read: The sulphur content of fuel oil used or carried for use on board a ship shall not exceed 0.50% m/m.
While the new sulphur limit took effect on 1 January, the carriage ban will be effective from 1 March 2020. The two-month time gap is by no means introduced as a grace period. The reason for the gap is solely due to the IMO process of adopting new regulations.
The International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP)
As part of the MARPOL amendments, the standard format of the IAPP certificate will also change from 1 March. A new tick-off box with the following text will be included in the supplement: For a ship without an equivalent arrangement approved in accordance with regulation 4.1 as listed in paragraph 2.6, the sulphur content of fuel oil carried for use on board the ship shall not exceed 0.50% m/m as documented by bunker delivery notes.
The IAPP certificate is required to be re-issued in the new format no later than the first IAPP survey after 1 March, being the annual, intermediate or renewal survey. If, for other reasons, the certificate is to be re-issued after this date, it will be in the new format.
Sample verification
With the carriage ban in place, PSC will have the opportunity to sample and verify the sulphur content of fuel carried for use to verify compliance with the new sulphur limit.
When verifying the sulphur content of samples taken on board, as opposed to the MARPOL sample taken during bunkering, a 95% confidence interval has been given. This means that a sulphur content of up to 0.53% may be accepted as compliant when testing such samples. This is to ensure that ships are not unjustly penalized for marginal excess in sulphur content beyond their control. (MEPC.1/Circ.882).
Recommendations
Compliance is the only option
For vessels without any approved equivalent arrangements in place, in case of any remaining HSFO from before 1 January, this needs to be dealt with before 1 March. In case removing the fuel in time isn’t feasible, flag and ports state should be contacted to agree on contingency measures (ref. MEPC.1/Circ.881).
References
Global Sulphur Cap 2020 webpage
All MEPC documents available on DNV GL’s sulphur cap pages
Photo credit: International Maritime Organisation
Published: 11 February, 2020
Singapore programmes to benefit environmentally friendly ocean-going and domestic commercial vessels.
P&I insurer discusses technical, operational, and expenditure issues of scrubber operations.
The study is based on a collaboration between Redshift Associates and the University of Leicester and will be funded by a £4.8 million grant from SPRINT.
Final investment decision of the project is expected in 2019, with start-up anticipated in 2023.
This is the biggest ship engine ever to be successfully fitted with an inline hybrid scrubber system, it says.
Also considering options to install scrubbers on additional 15 minor bulk vessels, but did not provide details.
On 5th June 2021, VPS carried out a Remaining On Board (R.O.B.) survey on board a Singapore-registered bunker tanker at short notice by the Charterer and quickly identified the theft of 98 metric tons of bunker fuel.
The Bunkerchain Pte Ltd and Helmsman LLC sponsored event will be moderated by Gabian Chew, Senior Editor of Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.
No quarantine required if vessels have not called at Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa during the 21 days prior to arrival at Hong Kong port, according to Marine Department notice.
CCIC discuss the progression of MFM technology for bunkering at Singapore port with Manifold Times; and possible development of a primary facility for MFM calibration.
‘The acquisition of PGI Industries will enhance VPS’ preventative maintenance services offered to the power sector, increasing protection and sustainability of the asset,’ says Malcolm Cooper, CEO, VPS.
A foreign vessel was involved in an alleged unauthorised STS incident with bunker tanker Pearl Melody on 5 June, Director and General Manager of Consort Bunkers tells Manifold Times.
14 Jun 2021
