EU offers some leniency on sulphur-content rule

26 January 2010

Brussels has given European Union (EU) member states licence to offer some leniency on safety grounds to ships that have not yet managed to meet new regulations on the sulphur content of fuel oil.

From January, ships berthing within the EU are required to use fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1%.

The move led to complaints from industry groups concerned over the lack of time owners have to adapt boilers to meet new regulations. It is feared that fuel changes could lead to boiler explosions unless the correct adjustments are made in time.

Adding to the concerns are a number of engine failures reported in the US West Coast, where similar regulations were introduced last year.

The European Commission (EC) has told member states that the existence of an approved retrofit plan to be applied in the next eight months can be taken into consideration when penalising companies for non-compliance.

Tanker owners are also being urged to carry certification of a risk and hazard assessment for boiler systems switching to low sulphur marine gas oil.

In a statement, Intertanko said: “Intertanko warmly welcomes this move, coming after five years of continuous pressure from Intertanko, OCIMF (Oil Companies International Marine Forum) and others in the shipping industry to highlight the potential operational and safety problems.”

Source: Tradewinds, 8 January 2010