October 19th 2020
We spoke to Görkem Uçkan, TRX Marine – General Manager, about new emission regulations.
From January 1st 2020, new International Maritime Organization (IMO) MARPOL Global Sulphur Cap regulations is in force. A Sulphur cap 0.5% (a reduction from previous 3.5%) will be enforced worldwide. The limit remains 0.10% within Sulphur Emissions Control Areas (SECA) including the North Sea. January
Our experience is that some operators have already reacted to reduce emission whereas all operators need to make a firm commitment. As known, some of operators refuse to fit exhaust gas cleaning scrubbers which is as an option for compliance. So, they are switching to fuels that comply with the new regulation either permanently or as an interim measure.
In terms of price and availability, the most over-riding fuel consumption of existing equipment and systems on board and their operational performance. New fuels obviously have impact on existing arrangements and require modifications as per new operational procedures. Even if modifications are not necessary, there will be an impact on operations and maintenance regimes. This is where we can propose solutions to reduce the risk of failure costs. In addition to that, for European vessels, if the switch-over of fuel comes during winter period, will demand higher engine loads, then it is very important to make the right fuel choice and proper re-arrangement for safe operation.
In 2021, It is an essential for owners to comply with Tier III NOx requirements where they are looking at new ships to sail in the Baltic and North Sea ECA areas. Most of Owners thinks that Tier III compliance will be more costly with their existing operations. So, owners should reassess the feasibility of existing fleet where they need to upgrade for Tier III requirements. It may be a better decision to make an investment for new build than spending for upgrades on existing machinery, hull work, upgraded automation and refurbishment of accommodation areas. If it is a new vessel, due to Tier III requirements, vessels design should be fine-tuned for reducing fuel consumption, crew and maintenance costs or high capacities in order to have feasible solutions.
In summary, the requirements of the new regulations will have impact on vessels but this depending and varying how old your vessels’ old and the machinery configuration installed onboard. We can only say that from investment point of view, implementing interim measures seems “feasible” for short term. In this respect, it should be calculated as per operations by experts with close cooperation of owners and designers.
You may contact with Görkem Uçkan for further details about any emission control requirements through gorkemuckan@trxmarine.com or on +90 (0)532 224 73 61.