New Annex VI to Marpol - Fuel Oil Monitoring

Annex VI requires that the worldwide average sulphur content of residual fuel oil be monitored so as to maintain an awareness of the global content of sulphur in fuel oils used by ships. The Netherlands has drafted a set of guidelines for sampling and testing of fuel oil quality which will be further considered beginning in March 1998 by MEPC41. The draft guidelines provide the basis to consider the quantity and sulphur content of residual fuel oils (the product remaining after the low sulphur distillates have been removed) in determining a 3-year rolling sulphur content average.

The guidelines also propose that if it is determined that the average sulphur content increases by approximately 0.2% over the initial reference value, established after the first three years of monitoring, then the MEPC should consider further measures to control the sulphur content in bunker fuel oils.

At present, it is estimated that only 30% to 35% of the 150+ million tons of marine residual fuels used annually is being sampled and tested. ABS Oil Testing Services has for the past 15 years been providing these services and is currently participating in the development of the these guidelines. ABS Oil Testing Services may be contacted for further information: (Tel: 1-908-245-9339 / fax: 1-908-241-9496).