Handling ozone-depleting substances
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are compounds that contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer in the stratosphere. ODS include CFCs, HCFCs, Halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. ODS are generally very stable in the troposphere and degrade only under intense ultraviolet light in the stratosphere. When they break down, they release chlorine or bromine atoms, which then destroy ozone. There is a detailed list of classes I and II.
Substances with their ODPs, GWPs and CAS numbers are
According to the requirements of MARPOL Annex VI, intentional releases of ODS, including during maintenance, servicing, repair or disposal, are prohibited. New installations are prohibited, except those containing HCFCs permitted before January 1, 2020. New installations include new portable fire suppression units and containment units.
Ozone-depleting substances and equipment containing such substances must be delivered to appropriate reception facilities when removed from the ship. All portable fire extinguishers containing ODS that need to be recharged must be taken ashore to an authorized service station.
No person shall charge or replenish ODS equipment without first leak-testing the equipment and, if a leak is found, ensuring immediate and effective repair of the leak or immediate restoration of the ODS.
Sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships (Marine Documents)
Following the entry into force of MARPOL Annex VI on 19 May 2005, sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships will be controlled by setting a sulfur content limit of 4.5% in marine fuel oils.
In addition, a 1.5% limit on sulfur content of marine fuel oil designated SOx Emission Control Areas (SECAs).
will be applied in
Baltic Sea zone, which will come into force on May 19, 2006.
North Sea and English Channel Region, which is expected to come into force on 19 November 2007.
(Note: Special zones are defined in regulation 10 of MARPOL Annex I).
It is expected that more Sekas will be appointed in the future and Imo has laid down certain criteria for the appointment of such Sekas.
Sulfur limits apply to all fuels (heavy fuel oils, marine diesel oils and gas oils) and regardless of their onboard use (eg internal combustion engines, boilers, gas turbines, etc.).
Bunkering and Sampling (Marine Documents)
To comply with the above SOx requirements, section “1.17 - Bunkers and Bunkering” of this manual has been modified and must be followed at all times.
Procedure for replacing fuel oil when entering/exiting emission control zones
Regulation 14 of MARPOL Annex VI requires that a ship must complete the conversion from conventional fuel to low sulfur fuel before crossing the boundary of an emission control area (ECA), formerly known as a SOx emission control area (SECA Maritime Documents).
The completion of the replacement means that fuel consumed in any boiler or engine on board (regardless of maintenance or exhaust) when crossing a specified ECA limit must have a sulfur content of 1.0% or lower, effective July 1, 2010 (the previous requirement was 1 .5%).
For ships with standard fuel oil system configurations (one service and one settling tank), this will involve filling the settling tanks with low sulfur fuel oil, adequately treating the fuel oil and then filling the service tank, and flushing the fuel supply piping systems with high sulfur fuel oil.
The time required for this switch will vary depending on the tank configuration and piping system on board. Although the transition from one fuel quality to another is not new on board ships, MARPOL Annex VI contains specific requirements for completing such a transition.
Information to be registered(Maritime Documents)
The Regulations require that any fuel change operation between low and high sulfur fuels require the following information to be officially recorded:
volume of low sulfur fuel oil (less than or equal to 1.0% m/m sulfur) in each tank
date
time
ship's position
These data should be taken and recorded after it has been determined that only fuel oil with a sulfur content of less than 1.0% m/m is burned.
Flushing through the system when switching
It is the responsibility of the foreman and chief engineer to ensure that fuel burned while driving within the ECA has a net sulfur content of less than 1.0% m/m (i.e., that sufficient time is allowed to completely flush the fuel oil service system of all types of fuel with a sulfur content of more than 1.0% m/m when replaced before entering the ECA).
Segregated systems: If separate fuel oil/storage tank systems are installed for fuels with sulfur content below and above 1.0% m/m, then switching between fuels, including flushing times, can be relatively simple and quick.
Non-segregated systems: It may be necessary to calculate the volume of 1.0% m/m sulfur fuel required to completely flush the system, including any tanks, to avoid mixing and subsequent rise in net sulfur content above 1.0% m/m actual volume used when flushing, can be found if the details mentioned above are recorded immediately before flushing the system. This figure can then be compared with the calculated figure to determine compliance.
Flushing calculations can be carried out using the “low sulfur fuel oil replacement calculator” provided by Lloyds Register, which is attached to this document.
Ensure that all officials responsible for the replacement operation are fully aware of the procedure to be followed and the details to be recorded.
Form (Marine Documents)
The necessary information must be recorded in the APEX/E log. 321 – Fuel CHANGE-OVER LOG
