News

The main type of "bunker" oil for ships is heavy fuel oil, derived as a residue from crude oil distillation. Crude oil contains sulphur which, following combustion in the engine, ends up in ship emissions. Sulphur oxides are known to be harmful to human health. In the atmosphere can lead to acid rain, which can harm crops, forest and aquatic species. Limiting Sulphur Oxides emissions from ships will improve air quality and protects the environment. IMO regulations to reduce sulphur oxides emissions from ships came into force in 2005, under Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollutions from Ships (known as the MARPOL Convention) Since then, the limits on sulphur oxides have been progressively tightened. Read more: IMO News 

This updated Matrix identifies and summarizes international regulations to be complied with for the next several years based on compliance dates for new and existing ships according to ship type, size and age. It includes new regulations adopted at MEPC 74 and MSC 101. Read more: Updated Matrix Regulation

In order to meet increasing restrictions on the sulphur content in marine fuel as defined by MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14.1.3, the characteristics of the blending component feedstocks, method of production and type of cutter stocks used may be different from those in use today. As a result, marine fuels post 2020, i.e. max 0.50% blended fuels, are expected to result in a wide range of fuel formulations and characteristics and, consequently, an increased risk of instability and incompatibility compared with most fuels currently being used. The aim of the International Council on Combustion Engines’ (CIMAC) new guideline, “Marine fuel handling in connection to stability and compatibility”, is to provide a practical and working understanding of the definitions of stability and compatibility of residual marine fuel oils and how these two fuel properties may be best managed in the supply chain and on-board ships. The guideline also covers the accepted available test methodologies for stability and for predicting compatibility, as well as their applicability and correct interpretation. Read more

The ABS Guide for Fire-Fighting Systems for Cargo Areas of Container Carriers has just been published. The guide is the first of its kind to address firefighting and safety systems of cargo holds of container vessels, the location of a series of high-profile fires onboard. The Guide is for the use of designers, builders, owners and operators in the marine industry and specifies the ABS requirements for addressing fire safety in four key areas. More information