ClassNK Release Advisory on New Hong Kong Sulfur Rules

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday June 25, 2015

Classification society ClassNK has released a new advisory reminding companies about recent sulfur regulations due to come into effect in Hong Kong as of July 1, 2015. 

After that date, ships berthed in Hong Kong waters will be limited to using marine fuel with a sulfur content of 0.50 percent or below. 

The organization also reminded companies that the regulations exclude the first hour after arrival and the last hour prior to departure. 

"The definition of "arrival" as it pertains to this regulation refers to the moment the vessel is moored or anchored at a berth, while the definition of "departure" refers to the moment the vessel is untied from its berth," ClassNK said. 

Vessels will also be required to record timestamps of arrivals, departures, fuel-switching completions, along with commencement of switching to non-compliant fuels. 

Logs will need to be maintained for three years, ClassNK said.

Last week, it was reported that the new low sulfur regulations may reduce ships' emissions by 60 percent.