Technical Global Sulphur Cap 2020 (Part 1) A. Introduction
B. Compliance Options
As agreed at the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70) meeting, held in October 2016, a 0.50 percent global sulphur cap on marine fuel oil will be implemented beginning January 2020. This will require all vessels operating outside Emission Control Areas (ECAs) to use fuel oil with a maximum sulphur content of 0.50%, while vessels operating within ECAs will be restricted to a maximum sulphur content of 0.10%.
There are following options to ensure compliance with Global Sulphur Cap: 1. Low sulphur distillate fuels 2. Low sulphur heavy fuel oil 3. HSFO with an SOx scrubber 4. LNG as fuel IACS United Interpretation UI SC 123 defines the "type of fuel" as the exact grade of fuel. The "grade" is grouped according to its sulphur content and viscosity as follows: - Residual Marine Fuel (RMF) refers to fuel oils with a sulphur content above 0.10%, but not exceeding 0.50%, which require some form of heating to achieve the required injection viscosity for combustion. - Distillate Marine Fuel (DMF) refers to fuel oils with a sulphur content above 0.10%, but not exceeding 0.50%, which do not require heating to achieve the injection viscosity. - Low Sulphur Residual Marine Fuel (LSRMF) refers to fuel oils with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% which require some form of heating to achieve the required injection viscosity for combustion. - Low Sulphur Distillate Marine Fuel (LSDMF) refers to fuel oils with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% and a minimum kinematic viscosity of 14 cSt at 40°C.
Figure 1: Sulphur content requirements
In addition to IMO requirements, there are regional and local requirements addressing fuel sulphur content: - European Union: The European Union Sulphur Directive stipulates a maximum of 0.10% sulphur content for ships in EU ports. - State of California: California’s Air Resources Board (ARB) enforces a 0.10% sulphur limit within 24 nautical miles of the Californian coast. The regulation does not allow for any compliance options other than low sulphur marine gas or diesel oil (DMA or DMB). - China: Ships are required to use fuel with a maximum: • 0.50% sulphur content while operating within ECAs defined by the Law beginning 01 January 2019. • 0.10% sulphur content while operating in the inland water emission control areas from 01 January 2020 and around the island of Hainan beginning 01 January 2022. Figure 2: IMO & Local Emission Control Areas
B.1. Low sulphur distillate fuels (DMF) Switching to low sulphur distillate fuels will result in a significant increase in fuel costs and may also require upgrading to a fuel treatment plant due to the significantly lower viscosity of the fuel. These types of fuels can lead to increased leak rates on fuel pumps. One particular concern is the reduction in the lubricity of the fuel which affects pumps and other components in the fuel system. HFO circulating and supply pumps may need to be replaced due to reduced fuel oil viscosity and lubricity. Additionally, a cooler or chiller should be installed in the fuel system to control temperature and maintain the viscosity of the fuel at the Engine inlet as per the Engine Maker’s recommendation. Figure 3: New M/E MGO Circulating pump
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Issue 68-June 2019
