BIMCO asks for changes in sulphur sampling proposal
Overview
BIMCO argues for clear regulations for when and where the samples for fuel in use are taken. The current proposal for sulphur content sampling of fuel on ships would require extensive fitting of new sampling points.
The proposal for amendments to regulation 14 of MARPOL Annex VI will require ships above 400 gross tonnage to have at least one “dedicated sampling point for fuel oil” for the authorities to test the sulphur content of the ship’s fuel.
A ship has several sampling points for different fuel grades, such as different blends or distillates.
BIMCO has proposed that the wording is changed to ‘designated’. If ships need dedicated sampling points, most ships will need to fit new sampling points to its system. But in BIMCO’s view the current sampling points will often do. The sampling point for each fuel system would have to be clearly marked to avoid confusion.
“On fuel systems, there would normally already exist a designated point from where fuel samples can be taken which fulfil the conditions specified in paragraph 2.2 of MEPC.1/Circ.864,” according to the proposal.
Clear rules on designated sampling points would also be beneficial for other types of samples.
BIMCO made the proposal to IMO in advance of the Intersessional Meeting on sulphur implementation July 9-13 together together with Norway, Panama, ICS, BIMCO, IACS, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and WSC.
Download RELATED Documents
-
Proposals for amendments to regulations of MARPOL Annex VI to require sampling points for fuel oil 0.2 MB
Download now
Feedback or a question about this information?
Posted:
02 July 2018
VPS Bunker Alerts
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
Latest ice reports for members
Latest piracy reports
Latest industry releasable threats
Related publication
Independent testing & certification of in-water cleaning companies
The procedure replaces the “Approval procedure for in-water cleaning companies". It was written:ELSEWHERE ON BIMCO
Contracts & Clauses
All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.
Learn about your cargo
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
BIMCO Publications
Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.
About a new business partner
We can help members check new business partners. We also help to recover millions of USD (undisputed) funds every year.
