The all new MARPOL Annex VI ultra-low-sulphur fuel oil guidelines that came into force on January 1st 2015 mark a major regulatory change when regarding the maximum permitted content of sulphur (S) in marine fuels in established sulphur emission control areas (SECAs), going from a max. level of 1.0% S to a max. level of 0.1% S. With this change the importance of what is bunkered as well as keeping the crew members informed about specific challenges and the proper actions of handling various situations that may arise becomes even higher. Careful monitoring concerning cylinder condition has to also be performed and followed by the proper procedures.

The enclosed paper: “Guidelines for Operation on Fuels with less than 0.1% Sulphur”, establishes detailed regulations and provides several recommendations aimed at ensuring the safe and reliable operation on fuels that have a content of less than 0.1% of sulphur. The paper manages do describe the following key subjects:

• Low-BN cylinder oils – suitable situations and manner of applying regarding low-BN oils;
• ISO 8217 and new fuels with less than 0.1% S (ULSFO) – important characteristics and specific details regarding the various standard fuel grades;
• Viscosity and fuel pump pressure – fuel viscosity is to be kept above 2 cSt at engine inlet, and the fuel pumps are to be maintained and kept in an adequate condition.

Guidelines for Operation on Fuels with less than 0.1% Sulphur -  Part I

Guidelines for Operation on Fuels with less than 0.1% Sulphur - Part I

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