ClassNK releases sulphur cap guidelines

The society has produced ‘Guidance for Onboard Use of Compliant Fuel Oil with SOx Regulation from 2020’ as well as an implementation plan sample for switching to compliant fuel oil. ClassNK will also provide related appraisal services for the new regulations

Compliant fuel oil is anticipated to include more low-sulphur blendstocks than ever before in addition to light distillates. ClassNK has identified five properties of compliant fuel oil that should be taken into consideration: compatibility, low viscosity, cold flow properties, cat-fines, and ignition/combustion quality.

In its guidance, ClassNK explains the basic characteristics of each property, and the potential safety implications associated with them. The guidance is available to download via ClassNK’s website for those who have registered for the ClassNK ‘My Page’ service.

MEPC Circular 878 recommends that ship owners create and keep on board a ‘Ship Implementation Plan’ that shows how ships can prepare for the new regulations. ClassNK has provided a sample entry of this for interested clients, together with appraisal services to confirm that the plans are compliant.

ClassNK has newly published the ‘SOx/PM regulations’ section of its website. The section features an outline of the SOx/PM regulation and ‘Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Ver. 3)’ which includes IMO guideline requirement explanations for SOx scrubbers and installation and safety requirements of related equipment.