1/19/2005
Kittiwake’s new Bunker Sample Storage System, has been developed recently to provide everything a vessel needs to be able to comply with the collection, retention and storage of bunker fuel oil samples in accordance with the latest IMO MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI regulations.
The Bunker Sample Storage System comprises a lockable, steel cabinet containing fuel oil collection cubitainers, sample bottles, tamper evident sealing caps, self-adhesive labels, a bunker sampling gauge and tapping, an elbow joint, bunker valve lock and tamper seals, a digital thermometer, a bunker sample log book and a full instruction CD.
The system assists vessels to fully comply with the detailed requirements of MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI, by enabling fuel oil samples to be collected, sealed and then stored in a safe, secure location ready for immediate inspection by Port State Control authorities. A detailed Bunker Sample Log Book enables the Master to maintain a simple and effective tracking system for fuel oil samples held onboard, in full compliance with the new regulations.
Germanischer Lloyd’s approval of the Kittiwake system confirms the seriousness with which the major classification societies view the latest IMO regulations and their desire to assist ship owners to comply with all aspects of this important new legislation.
A range of bunker samplers, spares and consumables are available from Kittiwake.
IMO MARPOL 73/78 ANNEX VI
With effect from 19 th May 2005 , IMO MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI on the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships becomes mandatory for all internationally trading vessels above 400 GT. Under the terms of Annex VI, exhaust emission controls will apply to oxides of nitrogen (NOx) – Regulation 13 and oxides of sulphur (SOx) – Regulation 14. Furthermore, there are requirements, partly related to the SOx controls, which cover certain aspects related to fuel oil quality and supply arrangements – Regulation 18.
Annex VI contains provisions allowing for special “SOx Emission Control Areas” (SECA’s) to be established with more stringent controls on sulphur emissions. In these areas, the sulphur content of fuel oil used onboard ships must not exceed 1.5% m/m, alternatively, ships must fit an exhaust gas cleaning system or use other technological methods to limit SOx emissions.
The Baltic Sea is already designated as a SECA within the protocol and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has approved an amendment to also include the North Sea as a SECA when Annex VI enters force. Other areas such as the Mediterranean , US coastal waters and waters west of the British Isles and Continental Europe may also be expected to be proposed as SECA’s in the future.
For vessels operating within these SECA’s, owners and operators must ensure that the necessary International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPPC) exists and that compliance can be demonstrated at the various scheduled and unscheduled survey stages. Any lack of certification or failure to be able to demonstrate the necessary compliance will effectively bar a ship from international trade.
To this end, bunker collection, sampling and storage guidelines have been defined by MEPC.96(47), which states that a retained sample of all fuel oils as supplied, is drawn at the ships receiving manifold, sealed, signed on behalf of the supplier and the Master or ship’s officer in charge of the bunkering operation and that the retained sample is to be kept under the ship’s control until the subject fuel has been substantially consumed, but in any case for at least 12 months from the date of delivery.
It is important to remember that such samples are to be used solely for determination of compliance with Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78 and cannot be used for any other commercial purposes.
Ship owners, operators and managers are now advised to review their bunker sample collection and storage routines and to ensure that their procedures and equipment meets the latest rules and regulations.
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