The IMO 2020 global sulphur limit for marine fuel oil has now been in force for over one month. For this reason, BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO are calling on fleet- and vessel managers, as well as technical superintendents, to share their insight and experiences with the new IMO 2020 compliant fuels.
The four organisations have launched an online survey, aiming to better understand the quality of the new fuel oils and potential safety implications of the IMO 2020 sulphur regulation, and encourage shipowners to participate.
Participants are encouraged to provide short answers to 13 questions about their experiences with fuel oil quality since the change to 0.50% sulphur compliant fuel oils.
The survey’s main focus is on problematic properties of the IMO 2020 compliant fuel oil that may lead to problems such as increased sludge discharge, clogging of fuel pipes, preheaters, fuel separators and fuel filters, fuel pumps getting stuck, problems with fuel injection and poor ignition of fuel oil.
It also focuses on other issues regarding incomplete combustion, wax appearance and increased wear and tear of cylinder liners; all problems that in the end may lead to loss of propulsion and/or black out.
You may see the survey here: https://form.jotform.com/200162453649958
