DNVPS issues fuel sulphur reminder
DNV Petroleum Services wants to remind ship operators that as from 1 January 2012, the MARPOL Annex VI global fuel sulphur limit for fuel oil will be reduced from 4.50% to 3.50%.
From this date, ships using fuel with sulphur content greater than 3.50% m/m in MARPOL Annex VI signatory countries and their territories will be in violation of the said regulation, unless they are equipped with abatement technologies with proven capabilities for reducing SOx emissions to the required levels.
When ordering fuel oil which is not expected to be fully consumed before 1 January 2012, DNV suggests that owners should consider specifying the maximum fuel sulphur limit at 3.50%.
The Singapore-based DNV subsidiary further notes that as from 1 August 2012, the North American
Emission Control Area (ECA) will be enforced, joining the existing Baltic Sea and North Sea/English Channel ECAs. The maximum sulphur limit for bunkers used in the ECAs currently stands at 1.00% m/m.
Finally, says DNVPS, when sailing in the European Union territories, fuel sulphur requirements specified in the EU Directive 2005/33/EC shall be applicable; for example, the use of fuel with maximum 0.1% sulphur content in EU Community Ports and inland waterways.
