Future fuels: are you ready for Marpol?

Ship owners have until January 2015 to ensure they comply.

“Time is running out for businesses and private owners affected by Annex VI of the Marpol regulations. Focusing on air pollution, this section of the regulations covers the minimisation of harmful sulphur oxide (SOx) and Nitrous oxide (NOx) gases,” explained Glyn Humphries from UK-based environmental services responder for ports and harbours, Adler and Allan.

To reduce sulphur oxide, from January 2015, any fuel used onboard ships and sea-based platforms in the Baltic and North Sea ECA should not exceed sulphur levels of 0.10%.

“Currently, the three year average sulphur content in fuel oils stand at 2.46%, meaning many vessels, that haven’t done so already, will need to take steps to improve fuel quality,” added Mr Humphries.

Fuels affected include heavy fuel oils (HFO), marine diesel oils and gas oils.

“Ship owners must make sure they choose fuel suppliers which guarantee product that meets the stipulated low sulphur content; gas oil is likely to be the new fuel of choice. Before new fuels are used, however, their containment tanks and fuel systems must be properly cleaned to prevent the risk of contamination. In addition, qualifying vessels must keep a list of equipment containing ozone depleting substances on board and take steps to limit Nitrous Oxide (NOx) levels,” concluded Mr Humphries.

To help ship owners prepare, Adler and Allan drains and fully cleans vessel tanks ready for changeover to cleaner fuels.

By Rachael Doyle