DNV GL issues Sulphur Limits 2015 Guidelines
Stricter limitations on sulphur emissions (SOx) will pose many challenges to ships operating in Emission Control Areas (ECAs). If not handled with care, switching from Heavy Fuel Oil to Marine Gas Oil can put equipment at risk and increase operational costs. DNV GL issued “Sulphur Limits 2015 – Guidelines to ensure Compliance” to provide a general overview the regulatory background, describe potential difficulties associated with the fuel change-over procedure and discuss which technologies can best help vessels fulfil the new requirements. Furthermore, DNV GL has developed a ship-specific Fuel Change-Over Calculator (FCO) to help shipowners and operators determine the ideal parameters for their vessel’s fuel change-over. Ships operating in an ECA will have to use fuel that does not contain more than 0.10% sulphur (MARPOL Annex VI) from 1st January onwards. Switching to Marine Gas Oil (MGO) is currently the most viable option for following the new threshold limit. This may appear to be a simple task, but the change-over procedure actually requires significant attention from crews during operation as well as extensive on-board preparations before the entry into force date. “Taking into account variables such as a vessel’s fuel system layout, any constraints on temperature and the variable sulphur content of ...
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