U.S. Coast Guard: Main Engines May Not Attain Expected Speed When Using ULSFO

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday November 23, 2015

The U.S. Coast Guard Thursday issued an updated safety alert to vessel operators in regards to concerns arising from the use of ultra low sulfur fuel oil.

"The Coast Guard has confirmed several reports it has received stating that main engines may not
attain the expected speed when using ultra low sulfur fuel oil," it said.

As a result, two new safety recommendations have been added to a list of advisories that it published previously.

The service recommends that as part of the master pilot information exchange vessel owners should discuss the vessel's maneuvering characteristics, including any change in RPM associated with ultra low sulfur fuel oil.

Vessel owners should also determine if the use of ultra low sulfur fuel oil necessitates amendments
to the pilot card.

Previously-stated recommendations from the Coast Guard also remain in issuance, such as ensuring that fuel switching is accomplished outside of busy traffic lanes and Emissions Control Areas (ECAs).

The service has also previously cautioned vessel operators that the energy content of a given volume of ultra low sulfur fuel oil may differ from residual fuels, resulting in existing throttle settings not giving desired propeller shaft RPM or generator loads.

Earlier this month California Air Resources Board (ARB) told Ship & Bunker that the vast majority of vessels burning ULSFO are not in compliance with regulations mandating a maximum 0.1 percent sulfur content for marine fuel.