Skuld Issues Reminder to Review ISO Standards for ECA Compliance

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday January 15, 2015

Marine insurer Skuld has issued a new advisory reminding owners and charterers to stay updated on ISO fuel standards in light of Emission Control Area (ECA) sulfur limits. 

Beginning this year, sulfur content in marine fuel used in ECAs are limited to 0.10 percent by weight. 

The company noted that ISO standards were not created for new products that are now being marketed as "MARPOL compliant fuels," and therefore owners must pay attention to the composition of the fuel before purchasing. 

The most recent ISO standards, issued in 2012, also have no sulfur indicators in place, and therefore customers must specify the exact maximum sulfur content needed. 

"It is important to appreciate this interplay between the ISO standards and the MARPOL Annex VI regulations, so that for charterparties it is made clear what fuels are in fact permissible to be supplied and that for bunker orders the correct fuel is in fact purchased," it said. 

Skuld also recommended that companies review existing order terms carefully, especially for those who make reference to older terms in new agreements. 

Skuld has previously issued warnings regarding switching fuels for ECA compliance, and that incorrect handling of new fuel could lead to sudden losses of propulsion aboard vessels. 

Ship & Bunker News Team
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