The following is text of a news release from Class NK:
(TOKYO) — Classification society ClassNK has released its “Booklet for Ship Crewmembers: Precautions Concerning Change-over to 0.5 Percent Sulfur Compliant Fuel Oils” to address the IMO regulation on the new sulfur limit for fuel oil used on board ships beginning Jan. 1, 2020. The precautions outline potential risks for ship crewmembers responsible for operations in the change-over from conventional fuel oils to compliant fuel oils and measures to mitigate the risks.
In light of the sulfur limit regulation affecting the world, situations where conventional fuel oils for main engines or auxiliary engines are changed to compliant fuel oils and actually used are expected to increase. The booklet provides ship crewmembers who bunker and actually use compliant fuel oils with information focusing on the “compatibility” and “cold flow properties” of such fuels as well as associated risks and measures to mitigate such risks. In addition, relevant recommendations and product leaflets provided by several chemical manufacturers pertaining to sludge dispersants and sludge solubilizers are attached to the booklet as references.
“We are aware that the SOx regulation is the biggest challenge shipping companies are currently facing," said T. Shimada, general manager of the ClassNK Machinery Department. "ClassNK has been carrying out comprehensive and practical initiatives to support clients in complying with the regulation through the release of our “Guidance for Onboard Use of Compliant Fuel Oil with SOx Regulation from 2020” and Ship Implementation Plan (SIP) sample entry, for example. This booklet, which outlines essential precautions for ship crewmembers responsible for operations in the change-over to compliant fuel oils, was compiled based on our expertise and I am confident that it will come in handy to crewmembers."
The booklet can be viewed on the ClassNK website along with other SOx regulation initiatives by the society. An additional booklet addressing risks related to low viscosity, Cat-fines, ignition/combustion quality, and the measures to mitigate them will also be developed and issued in due course.