Gard Issues Reminder of IMO Fuel Oil Sampling Guidelines

IMO has published new guidelines for testing sulfur content of fuel oil onboard ships.

Gard Friday issued a reminder of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) "Guidelines for Onboard Sampling for the Verification of the Sulphur Content of the Fuel Oil used on board ships," which was published in the circular MEPC.1/Circ.864 on December 9, 2016.

As Ship & Bunker previously reported, upon the guidelines' approval, IMO was also considering a proposal from Norway for the establishment of a designated sampling point for verifying compliance.

"It is worth noting that the ship's representative should, in the absence of a dedicated sampling point approved by the flag state/classification society, be able to propose a location and arrangement for sampling that is safe and representative of the fuel," says Gard.

Gard points out that the guidelines highlight the importance of taking samples only after a steady flow of fuel oil is established within the fuel oil circulating system and is flushing through the sampling connection.

"Members and clients are advised to revisit their onboard procedures for fuel sampling and consider if the recommendations contained in the IMO guidelines should be implemented.

"Following an inspection involving sampling, it is also advisable that the ship's representative verifies that all sample bottles are properly sealed and labelled," added Gard, noting that, for each sample drawn during the inspection, one bottle should be retained onboard the ship for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of collection.

As Ship & Bunker has reported, Norway's proposal suggests a gradual phase-in of the requirement for ships' designated fuel sampling points, requiring an amendment to regulation 14 of MARPOL Annex VI, and facilitating compliance checks when the 0.5 percent global cap on sulfur in marine fuel takes effect.