Lower sulphur fuel requirements from 1 January
COUNTRY: Worldwide
Ships trading in designated emission control areas will have to use on board fuel oil with a sulphur content of no more than 0.10% from 1 January 2015, against the limit of 1.00% in effect up until 31 December 2014.
The stricter rules come into effect under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution form ships (MARPOL) Annex VI (Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships), specifically under regulation 14, which covers emissions of Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and particulate matter from ships. These requirements were adopted in October 2008 by consensus and entered into force in July 2010.
The emission control areas established under MARPOL Annex VI for SOx are: the Baltic Sea area; the North Sea area; the North American area (covering designated coastal areas off the United States and Canada); and the United States Caribbean Sea area (around Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands).
Outside the emission control areas, the current limit for sulphur content of fuel oil is 3.50%, falling to 0.50% m/m on and after 1 January 2020. The 2020 date is subject to a review, to be completed by 2018, as to the availability of the required fuel oil. Depending on the outcome of the review, this date could be deferred to 1 January 2025.
Ships may also meet the SOx requirements by using gas as a fuel or an approved equivalent method, for example, exhaust gas cleaning systems or “scrubbers”.
(For information about operations worldwide contact the respective GAC office. Details may be found in the GAC Worldwide section of www.gac.com)
Source: International Maritime Organisation (www.imo.org) press briefing No.44 of 2014
Lock Chamber back in service
December 29, 2014, Germany, Kiel Canal
The Kiel Canal Authorities have advised that the New Big North Lock Chamber at Brunsbuettel Locks is back in service after the completion of temporary repairs.
(For information about operations in Germany contact the GAC UK Hub Agency Centre at hub.gb@gac.com)
Source: Sartori & Berger, Germnay – GAC agent
Port closure due to fog
December 29, 2014, United States, Freeport, Texas
The Port of Freeport was closed due to fog at 0430 hours local time today (29 December) and remains closed at this time.
For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
Repairs at Pulau Ubin Jetty
December 29, 2014, Singapore, Singapore
From 29 December 2014 to 28 June 2015, reapir works will be carried out at Pulau Ubin Jetty.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Notice No.165 of 2014, the work will be conducted 24 hours daily – including Sundays & Public Holidays – within the working areas bounded by the following coordinates (WGS 84 Datum):
1) 01 deg. 24.122’N / 103 deg. 58.175’E
2) 01 deg. 24.085’N / 103 deg. 58.226’E
3) 01 deg. 24.062’N / 103 deg. 58.212’E
4) 01 deg. 24.101’N / 103 deg. 58.158’E
Repair of the jetty involve erecting temporary scaffolding, hacking of deteriorated concrete, cement working and installing of fenders. The work barge will be used for transportation of equipment and materials to the work site.
A safety boat will be in attendance at all times to warn and re-direct craft in the vicinity to keep clear of working area.
Craft involved in the works will exhibit the appropriate local and international day and night signals.
When in the vicinity of the working area, mariners are reminded to:
a) Keep well clear and not to enter the working area;
b) Maintain a proper lookout;
c) Proceed at a safe speed and navigate with caution;
d) Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 21 (Sembawang Control);
and
e) Communicate with Sembawang Control on VHF Channel 21 for assistance, if required.
For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
Sailing Plan submission, updates for revised arrival
December 29, 2014, Turkey, Turkish Straits
Vessels carrying dangerous cargo and those of 500 GT and above must submit a written Sailing Plan 1(SP-1) at least 48 hours prior to arrival at the Turkish Straits. If there is a change of over two hours to the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), the form must be re-sent.
Any vessel failing to do so may be subject to a fine for wrong ETA declaration to the authorities.
For information about operations in the Turkish Straits contact GAC Istanbul at turkey@gac.com
GAC is a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services dedicated to helping customers achieve their strategic goals at the highest levels of quality, safety and compliance.
“Jo”
