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Date: 2nd September 2009

Preparing for Low Sulphur MGO

Time is running out in the race to be ready for the next EU sulphur regulation.

As of 1st of January 2010 ship owners & operators are required to comply with the new directive to burn fuel of max 0.10% sulphur (whatever grade) whilst vessels are at berth (for more than 2 hours) or operating in EC inland waterways.

The directive applies for all ocean going vessels. The only exemptions available are for vessel due at berth for less than 2 hours or for ships switching off all engines and utilizing shore side electricity (cold ironing). To what extent are vessels ready to embrace this significant change and what problems are associated?

  • Lubricity - Low sulphur MGO has a much lower level of naturally occurring lubricating components which can result in major damage to fuel pump systems.
  • Total Base Number (TBN) of the lubricating oil - Ships operating on HFO will require a higher TBN value in the lubes compared to when low sulphur MGO is in use. Problems will occur when vessels switch to the low sulphur MGO but continue with the high TBN lube.
  • Low Viscosity - Fuel pumps are dependent on a minimum viscosity to ensure that the required volumetric capacity is obtained to meet the feed rates.
  • Fuel quality - Switching from heavy fuel to marine gas oil offers increased risk of issues with instability, compatibility and ignition/combustion quality.
  • Ships operating exclusively on HFO - Main engine and auxiliary engines & boilers will require major overhaul.
  • Boilers, auxiliary boilers - will also require considerable modification.

Most engine & fuel pump manufacturers have now issued minimum fuel standards required as well as specific details on switch over from HFO to MGO fuels.

Please see the GMT circular CIB/06.1/2009 dated 26th June 2009 for all the latest timelines of active sulphur regulations or alternatively please feel free to contact the GMT Technical Department.

 

For more information or advice please contact:

Telephone: +44 (0)1642 440991
Telefax: +44 (0)1642 458537
Email: info@gmtlab.com

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