Maritime transport uses lower grades of fuel to run its propelling plant. This is one of the reasons which makes it the cheapest mode for transporting goods from/to different countries. However, by using such low grade fuels, ecosystems can be severely damaged from harmful exhausts of the ships. To reduce such causes of pollution, several guidelines are made, which helps in reducing emissions from ships and in offering ways to make the process of running the massive main propulsion plant and other auxiliary services on board ships more economical. Marine fuel oils used for merchant ships are selected as per the requirements laid down by the regulation authority under MARPOL and according to the area where the ship usually operates. On the basis of these factors, along with several others, marine fuel oil and fuel oil system selection is done.

  • If the fuel is derived from petroleum process then it should be a blend of hydrocarbons derived from refining and it may contain additives.
  • The fuel oil should be free from inorganic acids
  • It should not exceed NOx as required by the regulation in MARPOL Annex VI
  • It shall not exceed sulphur content more than 0.5% globally and 1.0% for ECAs
  • Flash point of the fuel used onboard ship must be at least 60 °C
  • For fuel used in emergency generator, lifeboats and other emergency appliances, flash point must be at least 43 °C

Last modified: Wednesday, 11 September 2024, 10:22 AM