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Emission controlled areas is where SOX (sulphur oxide) and NOX (nitrogen oxide) emission are regulated under MARPOL annex 6 

1 JAN 2015 sox emission stands at 0.1% m/m ( % by mass ) 

As of Jan 2020 Outside ECA area now stands at 0.5% 

Global Sulphur cap is now at 1.0% from Jan 2020

 

The ECA areas are 

1. North sea ( UK )
2. Baltic sea  ( Europe)
3. North America sea ( US and Canada ) 
4. Caribbean Sea ( between north and south America)
5. EU ports & China major ports

Changing over at correct time is important as early change will lead to loss to low sulfur oil, expensive to ship owner & delay in changeover leads to violation in marpol annex 6.

Ships provided by low sulphur fuel calculator which calculate the correct change over time,

Factors to input into the system are

1. The fuel capacity of FO in the main engine system, settling tank, service tank, mixing column and main engine piping.
2. Including Volume of mixing column 
3. Volume in pipe(pipe length x area)
4. Ship speed planning for change over
5. Specific fuel oil consumption from sea trail
6. Also Adding a buffer hour as safety margin

Preparation before Change over

1. Provide frequent crew training for safer and effective and change over fuel
2. Detailed risk assessment is done, tool box meeting with all personal involve
3. Proper communication established between master and C/E, regarding date and time of ECA entry in advance for proper planning. Changeover to be earlier if in congested waters
4. Ensure system piping’s, seals and gasket, flanges and fittings maintained properly and have spares. For ME and generators, spare fuel injectors, Fuel pump barrel and plungers
5. Class approved ECA fuel oil change over procedure strictly followed
6. Ensure Fuel system diagram with all valves are marked and class approved.

Change over procedure

1. Strictly follow class approved, vessel change over procedure
2. Reduce engine speed for change over, 
3. Switch off viscosity controller 
4. Shut FO heater steam and tracing steam gradually, 
5. Wait for FO temp to drop to 85 – 90 Degree C to reduce thermal stress.
6. Make sure all valves in Do service line, service tank is open
7. Operate the 3 way changeover valve from Hfo to Low sulfur oil gradually
8. Note down the FO flow meter reading and position of vessel in ER log book ( Entry to ECA, Start of changing and completion of changing)
9. Stop the HFO purifier and make sure hfo tank level is maintaining
10. Ensure that ME and AE parameters no abnormalities, paying special attention to fuel racks
11. Take samples from mixing column, visual inspection.
12. Keep an eye on auto back flush filters and intervals
13. Check for any leakages on pipes, pumps, filters
14. Monitor till the system is completely flushed
15. Change over aux boiler to low sulfur oil by class approved change over procedure
16. Fire the boiler manually to ensure proper change over
17. Once the system is completely flushed, depend on the length of stay of vessel change over cylinder oil suction from BN70 to low sulphur cylinder oil BN40 
18. Note down the completion of change over ( Time, FO flow meter, tank sounding, position of vessel)
19. Vessel is ready to enter ECA, inform master/ bridge of completion of changeover.

 

Operational issue to consideration

1. The following parameter to be considered before change over,

Temperature

1. As the temperature difference between low sulfur oil and HFO is 100 Degree C, causes thermal shock to the injection equipment, leading to pump malfunction and seizure.
2. A maximum temperature change of 2°C per minute

Viscosity (why is maintaining viscosity is important?)

1. Too low will lead to excessive leakage
2. To avoid fuel pump failure and leakages, the optimum viscosity is within 10-15 CST. 
3. LSMGO ranges from 2-10 CST.
4. Low viscocity causes Wear between fuel pump plunger and barrel will result in starting difficulties
5. Insufficient viscosity lead to fuel pump seizure & premature wear due to reduced hydrodynamic lubrication.
6. Information on viscocity can be obtain from BDN

Fuel incompatibly

1. Mixing of Hfo and Low sulfur oil causes clogging of clog filters. Causes fuel supply to cut off, and blackout.
2. Injection pump wear due to deposits between barrel and plunger.

Cylinder lubrication

1. Ship with slow speed engine operate uses 70 bn cyl Lo, high Bn neutralize the acidity od burning HFO. 

however when changed over, However excessive alkaline, will cause hard calcium deposits forming on cylinder liners.

1. Hard deposits causes polishing, serve wear of liner.
2. Short operation can use BN70 with minimum oil feed rate, But long operation with low sulfur oil require lower BN40/ BN50.

 

How is it monitored

1. Fuel samples taken by PSC sealed bottles to a laboratory for testing. 

• The Fuel sample is to be retained on board for minimum 12 months. The sample is to be minimum 400 ml and provided with a label with information regarding location where sample was taken (Ship’s manifold)
• Sampling method, Bunker date, Name of bunker barge/pier, Receiving ship’s name and IMO No., Sample seal number and Bunker grade

       2) “Remote Sensors”, “sniffers” fixed on planes, bridges, or harbor structure.

       3) Bunker delivery note; It shall be retained for a period of three years after the fuel oil has              been delivered on board.

Challenges

Improper training leads to engine failure, power loss, blackout,

Both fuel have different properties, not compatible

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