DNV GL Releases Guide on 2015 ECA Compliance

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Wednesday November 26, 2014

Classification society DNV GL has released a new guide for shipowners working to become Emission Control Area (ECA) sulfur compliant.

DNV said that the switch of heavy fuel oil (HFO) to low-sulfur-compliant marine gas oil (MGO) may be more difficult and intensive than owners expect, as errors could lead to putting equipment at risk and increasing operational costs.

The organisation has also released a Fuel Change-Over Calculator (FCO) to help shipowners and operators with the changeover process. 

"Taking into account variables such as a vessel's fuel system layout, any constraints on temperature and the variable sulfur content of fuels, the FCO Calculator can significantly reduce the risk of human error during the preparation of the change-over process," said Jörg Lampe, a senior project engineer with DNV.

DNV also warned that owners would have to pay attention to factors such as temperature and viscosity of the fuels, which are different between HFO and MGO and may lead to potential incompatibilities. 

"The software uses a complex numerical simulation that is more accurate than previous linear models and delivers insight into the optimised lead time for the change-over process, its costs and the maximum hourly consumption to meet constraints.

"This kind of data ensures a cost-efficient, reliable fuel change-over and can also help demonstrate compliance for the respective authorities," Lampe said.

DNV GL also released a liquefied natural gas bunkering guide last year.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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