The DNV forum in Singapore last week attracted some 80 participants from the shipping community eager to learn more about Marpol Annex VI, which comes into effect May 19 this year.

Among other requirements, Marpol Annex VI places a worldwide 4.5% limit on fuel sulphur content in heavy fuel oil and a 1.5% sulphur restriction on ships sailing in “Special Sulphur Oxide Emission Control Areas” or (SECAs).

Ships trading into the SECA areas (Baltic, North Sea and English Channel) will also face stringent regulations on the changeover of fuel types

To cater for these limits, Samuel Barrow of engine maker Wartsila Singapore explained the modifications needed on 2-stroke and 4-stroke diesel engine designs, while Uffe Mikkelsen of MAN B&W suggested ways to reduce gaseous emissions from 2-stroke engines.

Lack of low-sulphur fuel
DNV Petroleum Services' Oslo regional manager Olav Tveit presented a general background on the new regulations and spoke about survey and certification requirements. In a separate session, he also covered the documentation and sampling of fuel deliveries under Marpol Annex VI regulation 18, the operational issues related to consuming low sulphur fuels, and the scarce availability of such fuels in the market today.

“In view of the change-over requirements, bunker grade segregation constraints, uncertainty in terms of low-sulphur oil availability and potential quality problems, the flexibility in bunker management may be impaired,” said Tveit.

Wong Suan of ExxonMobil Marine Fuels rounded off the agenda by discussing the legislative impact of the new sulphur regulations.

The DNV shipping forum is organized three times a year by DNV Singapore and supported by other DNV offices in the region, including DNV Petroleum Services.

Besides local participation, this event is attended by overseas ship operators and managers, including those from Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Philippines.