ClassNK said it has developed the ‘Guidance for onboard use of compliant fuel oil with SOx regulation from 2020’, underscoring the classification society’s support and provision of related services for the upcoming 2020 fuel sulphur cap.
“Compliant fuel oil is anticipated to include more low sulphur blend stocks than ever before in addition to light distillates. ClassNK has identified five properties of compliant fuel oil that should be taken into consideration with its use: compatibility, low viscosity, cold flow properties, cat fines, and ignition/combustion quality,” ClassNK stated.
The ClassNK guidance explains the basic characteristics of each property, and the potential safety implications associated with them.
ClassNK has also provided a sample of ‘Ship implementation plan’ that shows how ships can prepare for the 0.5% sulphur cap. The ship implementation plans include the items listed in MEPC.1/Circ.878. Additionally, it provides other appraisals tailored to individual client needs for confirming facts such as whether a fuel tank has been cleaned before switching to compliant fuel oil.
From 1 January 2020, all oceangoing ships are required to burn bunker fuels with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5%, down from the current limit of 3.5%, under IMO’s Marpol Annex VI regulations.
Read more: IMO 2020 - A timeline for change over to compliant fuel
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