0.1% sulphur rule for ships in port from 1 January
In what appears to be a surprise move the Turkish authorities have followed the EU countries in imposing strict sulphur limits on vessels in port. have From 1 January ships must use fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 1% ruling for vessels at berth in Turkish ports and transiting its inland waterways, according OW Bunker. “This is a significant move by the Turkish authorities and is much more restrictive than current sulphur regulations,” says Steffen Kortegaard, Technical Director, OW Bunker.
The global bunker supplier has highlighted the potential safety issues that ship owners and operators will face in Turkish waters when new local sulphur legislation comes into force . It says the ruling, “delivered by the Turkish Chamber of Shipping and the Turkish General Directorate of Marine Transport” states that: “marine fuels whose sulphur content exceeds 0.1% by mass cannot be used as of 01.01.2012 in the inland vessels and in the vessels on the quay.'”
The new Turkish regulations mean that 0.1% sulphur content gas oil must be used by vessels calling at Turkish ports between the end of the sea passage and the commencement of the sea passage including in port anchorage areas.
However the new regulation will not apply to vessels transiting the Bosporus or Dardanelles, even if they drop anchor providing the vessel maintains transit status. Passenger vessels with domestic liner permit, such as ferries, ro-ro and sea buses must consume 1.5% sulphur content IFO from 1st Jan.2012. This regulation will also not be apply to cruise vessels, according to OW.
Mr Kortegaard warned: “As we have seen in California, vessels that are used to burning heavy fuel oil face significant technical and safety challenges when switching to low sulphur products in order to allow them to manoeuvre. Unless the correct procedure is followed and there is a deep knowledge of the technical process, ship owners and operators could face real issues including a loss of power and potentially engine damage which could have a significant impact on downtime and associated maintenance costs.”
Sibel Buyuk, General Manager of OW Bunker’s Turkey operation, said: “This move stresses the emphasis that the Turkish authorities are placing on environmental progression ahead of existing international regulation. As well as making sure that our customers have access to quality low sulphur products to guarantee compliance, we are also working with them to ensure that they have a full comprehension of the technical challenges that they face. The implementation of the new ruling is less than three weeks away, and it is vital the ship owners and operators are prepared accordingly.”
Source: World Bunkering
