Following IMO’s implementation of sulphur cap regulation, Dick Farrel Camoying Technical Manager of Skuld insurance association explained that the number of claims reported to the club are not significantly higher for VLSFO compared to other fuel.
To remind, more than a year has passed since the International Maritime Organization mandate for the 0.50% sulphur cap for marine fuel (MARPOL Annex VI) came into force. Namely, the regulation orders ships to only use marine fuels with a sulphur content of no more than 0.50% sulphur.
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According to Mr. Farrel, prior to 1 January 2020, there were extensive discussions in the industry on what to expect regarding the challenges VLSFO would pose in terms of operational issues and engine damage as well as challenges regarding supply of VLSFO.
The most frequent parameter limits deviating from the ISO 8217 standard, reported by our members and clients, are TSP (Total Sediments Potential), Aluminium and Silicon, Sulphur, Pour Point, Flash Point and Viscosity. We see several cases regarding increased sludge deposits in the fuel system, increased sludge accumulation in the purifiers, as well as clogged fuel oil filters.
…as Dick Farrel added.
At the same time, other members have experienced increased wear and tear of cylinder liners, broken piston rings, fuel pumps or other components, due to increased amounts of catalytic fines in the fuel oil, while some members have de-bunkered fuel which cannot be handled and treated onboard.
Interestingly, the number of claims reported to Skuld are not significantly higher for VLSFO compared to other fuel.
If we look at the bad bunker cases in 2019 (FDD and CLH) the number of claims are higher than before the introduction of the IMO 2020 fuel.
…Farrel continued.
For the record, in 2019 Skuld saw 435 bunker related claims on FDD and CLH combined, compared to 369 in 2020. The club also experiences a decrease in bunker related issues and claims in Q1 of 2021 compared to Q1 in 2020. Concluding, in total, Skuld can report 30 cases so far in 2021.
