UK P&I Club bulletin
The UK P&I Club has issued a bulletin on technical problems and solutions of low-sulphur fuels.
Typical technical problems experienced by shipowners when they are required to use low-sulphur fuels include issues with the supply and storage of low sulphur fuel, problems with machinery operation when using low-sulphur fuel, incompatibility between fuel types, and difficulties and delays when changing over from one fuel type to another.
To avoid such problems, shipowners should consult their engine and boiler manufacturers for advice on operating with low-sulphur fuel and the need for any equipment and system modifications.
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On each ship the fuel change-over procedure should be clearly defined and understood. Engineers need to be fully familiar with fuel systems and main engine starting systems and establish failure to start’ procedures.
Starting air pressure should be monitored during manoeuvring operations and the deck department needs to appreciate the limitations of starting air availability.
During standby, two (or more) generators should be run in parallel while ensuring sufficient poweravailability should one stop or trip.
Switchboard power loads should be monitored and balanced equally. Prior to arriving at the pilot stationand, if practical, before approaching the berth, the astern operation of the main engine should be tested.
Procedures should also be established to ensure that there is adequate electrical capacity available before starting up lateral thrusters, mooring equipment or other heavy equipment, bearing in mind that simultaneous starting of large electric motors will lead to a large power surge and possible overload.
Ships fitted with shaft generators should, where appropriate, changeover to auxiliary generator power wellbefore entering restricted waters and undertaking critical manoeuvres.
Manufacturer’s guidelines should befollowed and ship’s staff guided accordingly.
Source:The UK P&I Club
