Americas News
Shipowners Calling at Canadian Ports Reminded of ECA Fuel Sampling Programme
The North of England P&I Association Limited (North P&I Club) has advised that Canadian Marine Safety Inspectors are now testing ships' bunkers to verify compliance with the North America Emission Control Area (ECA) requirements, the results of which are set to be published.
"We would suggest that calling vessels' engineers identify suitable sampling points prior to an inspection. The sample should be representative of the fuel in use and be able to be drawn safely," said North P&I Club.
Fuel samples taken as part of the inspection programme will be drawn from the engine's fuel supply system, with inspectors utilising portable fuel analysers conduct the testing on sulfur content.
Transport Canada has stated that on-site tests are intended to help inspectors make informed decisions on the appropriate next steps for enforcement, such as forwarding the samples to an accredited laboratory to be further analysed.
Results of the testing program will be shared with industry stakeholders, other maritime administrations, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), explained Transport Canada, but a timeline for this has not yet been specified.
Details of individual ships will remain anonymous.
In January, Ship & Bunker reported that the Government of Canada had delayed the implementation of the IMO Tier III nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions standards for certain marine engines operating within its ECA until January 1, 2017.
