One of the biggest challenges facing the maritime sector in 2015 will be meeting the new air emissions requirements. The North American and U.S. Caribbean emission control areas (ECAs) have been in effect for several years now. But on Jan. 1 this year, the rules changed again as the permissible level of sulfur in bunker fuels fell from 1.0 percent to 0.1 percent sulfur content. For vessels operating on diesel fuel, this means going from low-sulfur diesel to ultra-low sulfur diesel.
The cost differential is notable, even when the general price of petroleum products is decreasing. Some ships have opted to install scrubbers, but these scrubbers will have to be enhanced to remove even more sulfur emissions than previously.
For ships that routinely operate both inside the ECAs and outside, bunkering costs can be decreased by using more traditional fuel when not in an ECA. This alternative, though, presents its own difficulties, as the main propulsion engines must be switched from one fuel source to another while underway.
Viscosity and other characteristics of the two fuels are different. These differences must be accounted for during the changeover process. In addition, the physical process of changing the fuel source can be difficult in some engine rooms.
Finally, proper records must be maintained both of bunkering, including bunker delivery notes and samples, and of the changeover process. Big brothers, particularly the U.S. Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency are watching.
Dennis L. Bryant, Principal, Bryant’s Maritime Consulting