Sulphur directive help from class

The class society says that the directive has been the cause of considerable interest, concern and uncertainty. The entry into force date – January 1, 2010 – of the ‘at berth’ requirement that ships burn 0.1% maximum sulphur fuel oil when in port, was certain. However, considerable uncertainties still exist as to compliance, associated technical issues and how the requirements are likely to be enforced.

Lloyd’s Register says that its specialist fuel oil service, FOBAS, has been alerting the industry to the pending requirement over the four-and-a-half years since the 2005 Directive was published. To help shipowners and others to understand the operational realities of compliance, many of these questions and FOBAS’s responses have now been published in a single FAQ guidance document.

Andy Wright, FOBAS, based in London, commented: “The industry faces a number of operational and technical challenges with this directive and we hope we can clear up many of the uncertainties related to the directive’s meaning and application. The over-riding priority is safety and this has been reflected in recent updates to Lloyd’s Register’s Rules together with the publication of design appraisal guidance in respect of boilers which may require modifications in order to use compliant fuel oils. In addition to this there has been a clear need for clarification on many detailed operational points and what are the technical implications of compliance. By publishing these frequently asked questions our intent has been to provide shipowners and operators with comprehensive guidance which will deliver the information, at a practical level, that they need.”

Actual implementation will be by the appropriate department of the administration of the Member States, within whose waters ships operate. In giving this guidance Lloyd’s Register is, of course, operating as an ‘informed observer’, offering the FAQs to inform and assist.

Lloyd’s Register can additionally provide guidance related to class matters, through the release by its technical directorate of specialist class related guidance to assist operators in understanding what is required from a classification perspective.