This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Technical Notices
Belize Flag | MMN 19-001 Global sulphur limit under MARPOL ANNEX VI
1/ IMMARBE has issued the subject MMN regarding the Sulphur Limit under MARPOL Annex VI from 1 January 2020.
2/ According to this Notice all vessels are strongly recommended to follow the guidance on the development of a ship implementation plan for the consistent implementation of the 0,50% Sulphur Limit. Although the said Plan is not mandatory requirements, the proper development will assist on a smooth transition when this requirement enters into force.
3/ During annual IMMARBE flag inspections during 2019 the “Ship implementation plan for the consistent implementation of 0.50% sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI” shall be checked/verified.
4/ Please also note that INSB Surveyors shall also verify from now on and during 2019 when performing any statutory surveys onboard Belize vessels if the vessel has implemented the non mandatory implementation plan (for the consistent implementation of 0.50% sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI) or proper actions have been taken when the Global 0,50% m/m Sulphur Limit enters into effect. In case the vessel is found without (or incomplete) Implementation Plan, same shall be notified to IMMARBE.
5/ Guidance on the development of a Ship implementation plan for the consistent implementation of 0.50% sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI (MEPC.1/Circ.878).
5.1/ The ship implementation plan could be used as the appropriate tool to identify any specific safety risks related to sulphur compliant fuel oil, as may be relevant to the ship, and to develop an appropriate action plan for the Company to address and mitigate the concerns identified. Examples should include:
- procedures to segregate different types of fuel and fuels from different sources;
- detailed procedures for compatibility testing and segregating fuels from different sources until compatibility can be confirmed;
- procedures to changeover from one type of fuel to another or a fuel oil that is known to be incompatible with another fuel oil;
- plans to address any mechanical constraints with respect to handling specific fuels, including ensuring that minimum/maximum characteristics of fuel oil as identified in ISO 8217 can be safely handled on board the ship; and
- procedures to verify machinery performance on fuel oil with characteristics with which the ship does not have prior experience.
5.2/ The ship implementation plan for 2020 could cover various items relevant for the specific ship, including, as appropriate, but not limited to:
5.3/ Issues relating to use of sulphur compliant fuel oil
The following potential fuel-related issues may need to be assessed and addressed by ships in preparation for and implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit requirement:
- technical capability of ships to handle different types of fuel (e.g. suitability of fuel pumps to handle both higher and lower viscosity fuels, restrictions on fuels suitable for use in a ship’s boilers, particularly the use of distillate fuels in large marine boilers);
- compatibility of different types of fuelsg. when paraffinic and aromatic fuels containing asphaltenes are commingled in bunkering or fuel oil changeover;
- handling sulphur non-compliant fuels in the event of non-availability of sulphur compliant fuels; and
- crew preparedness including possible training with changeover procedures during fuel switching from residual fuel oil to 0.50% compliant fuel oils.
5.4/ The plan could take into account the issues identified in MEPC.1-Circ 878:
- APPENDIX 1: Indicative Example for Ship Implementation Plan for achieving compliance with the 0.50% sulphur limit;
- APPENDIX 2: Additional guidance on development of ship implementation plan (impact on machinery systems); and
- APPENDIX 3: Additional guidance on development of ship implementation plan (tank cleaning).
6/ INSB Class has also issued the following relevant Technical Notices:
- TD 9729/2018 “ICS Provisional Guidance for Compliance with the 2020 ‘Global Sulphur Cap”
- TD 9732/2018 “Guidance on the development of a ship implementation plan for the consistent implementation of the 0.50% Sulphur limit under MARPOL ANNEX VI”
Attachments