As already advised in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0687 dated 14 December 2006, ships at berth in ports within the European Union are required to use marine fuels with the sulphur content not exceeding 0.1% m/m as from 1 January 2010, under the EC directive 2005/33/EC.

Some issues on the use of low sulphur fuels for safe operations of machinery have been pointed out. "Design and Operational Issues for Use of Low Sulphur Fuels in Diesel Engines and Boilers" is attached for your reference.
This ClassNK Technical Information provides items to be considered for establishment of measures against the issues, approval and surveys required, and reporting by ClassNK.

1. Items to be considered
For use of low sulphur fuels, ship owners and ship management companies are requested to consult the relevant manufacturers whether safe operation of the machinery can be maintained when low sulphur fuels are used for the machinery. In addition, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation, the following measures are to be taken:
(1) Development of fuel changeover procedure
(2) Development of operation manuals for machinery
(3) Selection of fuel oils and lubricating oils
(4) Consideration of necessary modifications

It is effective to conduct a risk assessment referring to the manufacture's recommendations in order to consider the countermeasures to be taken for safe operations of the machinery and the need for modifications. Also please refer to the attached "Design and Operational Issues for Use of Low Sulphur Fuels in Diesel Engines and Boilers" for identification of the risks.

For your information, INTERTANKO and OCIMF recommend conducting a risk assessment for use of low sulphur fuels, in "Guidance for Hazard Identification" (Refer to http://www.intertanko.com)




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