Page 10 - Thome Group News Issue 45

REGULATORY UPDATEStrengthening Measures for Safe Usage of LSMGOBy Rajiv Malhotra, Technical ManagerThe majority of ship operators and owners have resorted to using Marine Gas Oil with sulphur content below 0.1%, in Emission Control Areas, as limits on SOx emissions got stricter with the revision of requirements under MARPOL Annex VI, which came into force 1stJan 2015 onwards. In the absence of economical and practical exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) that are allowed to be used as equivalent means for compliance, and limited availability and incompatibility issues of hybrid fuels, Ultra Low Sulphur Heavy Oils; usage of low sulphur distillate fuels has become the most popular means of compliance with the new regulation.However, the changeover to Lower Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO)poses its own challenges, and can lead to severe problems if not managed carefully. Though responsible operators had envisaged the problems likely to be encountered with the usage of lowsulphur distillate fuel, and had also adopted practical mitigating measures, actually using the fuel exposed technical challenges of a greater extent than the industry had originally anticipated.Problem IdentificationAt Thome, to prepare our managed vessels for usage of LSMGO as safelyas possible, we are taking measures to incorporate into our procedures and systems with experience gained from using this fuel since the regulation came into force. The problems and incidents, encountered with LSMGO usage on our managed fleet were analysed. Also, in conjunction with the information about various challenges available from other industry sources, essential control measures were identified and an action plan was formulated.It was concluded that the problems primarily arose from four factors:Existing ECAPotential Future ECAEU Sulphur Directive Additional Regional RegulationsMitigating MeasuresTo comprehensively address the risks arising from these factors, we have adopted certain measures. For the implementation of these towards safe operations on LSMGO, we seek to partner with all stake holders, including our principals.Change Over ProceduresFirst and foremost, a need for strengthening our change over procedures was realised. In order that none of the precautions get overlooked at the timeof changing over fuel oil systems from HFO to LSMGO, a standard checklist was formulated and circulated to vessels for preparing a vessel for a specific change over procedures. This template identifies••••Fuel temperature during and after the change over procedure, if not controlled well, can lead to thermal shocks, high temperature and gasification of LSMGO, and consequent pressure drop and fluctuation.External leakages occur on changing over to LSMGO, owing to operation at low temperature and low viscosity, when compared withHeavy Oil.Low viscosity and lubricity ofLSMGO leads to higher wear andtear, and a consequent accelerated drop in performance of various fuel components – e.g. pumps and injectors.When distillate fuel flows through the system, a dislodging of residue deposits accumulated from the residual fuel usage, has a tendency to clog the fuel filters.10 | ISSUE 47 | DECEMBER 2016