Calling at EU Port? Test Your Fuel for Sulphur Content

By
Mfame Team
-
3174

Fuel-sampling1

The European Union has mandated certain rules in accordance with the COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2015/253.  As per the amended rule the methods and frequency of verification of the sulphur content of marine fuels used, the EU Member States will survey onboard ships calling at EU ports.

Highlights of the decision:

  • The total number of ships calling at EU ports to be checked for Ship log books and bunker delivery notes on board.
    • 10% of the total number of individual ships calling at the Member State per year
  • From 1 January 2016, the sulphur content of fuel spot sample drawn from the ship’s fuel service system or the relevant sealed bunker samples being used on board is also to be checked.
    • 40 % of the total number of ships calling at the Member States fully bordering SOx Emission Control Areas (SECAs)*;
    • 30 % of the total number of ships calling at the Member States partly bordering SECAs*;
    • 20 % of the total number of ships calling at the Member States not bordering SECAs* (30% as from 1 January 2020).

Fuel Sampling valve:

  • Member States are to take the on-board spot sample of the fuel through single or multiple spot sample at the location where a valve is fitted for the purpose of drawing a sample in the fuel service system, as indicated on the ship’s fuel piping systems or arrangement plan and as approved by the Flag Administration or Recognised Organisation acting on its behalf.
  • In the absence of the location referred to the above, position of the valve for fuel sampling is to fulfil the following conditions:
    • be easily and safely accessible;
    • take into account different fuel grades being used for the fuel-oil combustion machinery item;
    • be downstream of the fuel in use from the service tank;
    • be as close to the fuel inlet of the fuel-oil combustion machinery item as feasible and safely possible taking into account the type of fuels, flow-rate, temperature, and pressure behind the selected sampling point;
    • be proposed by the ship’s representative and accepted by the sulphur inspector.

For Further Reading – Click Here

Source: Class NK