Clipper prepares bulkers for ECAs
Copenhagen: Owners are slowly abiding to new rules for emission control areas (ECAs) that entered into full effect on January 1.
Clipper has decided to convert one HFO tank on six of its 30,000 dwt Trader-type bulk carriers into MGO tanks.
The conversion reduces unnecessary costs of frequent bunker operations and delays, the Danish line said. Simultaneously, it makes the vessels compliant with current legislation. As an extra benefit, Clipper said the physical separation of piping makes it very unlikely to mix the two fuel grades by mistake.
MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14.4 states that the only fuel type that currently offers sulphur percentage low enough to satisfy the regulation in ECAs is Marine Gas Oil (MGO) whereas most vessels normally use the somewhat cheaper Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO).
In ECAs fuel with a sulphur percentage of more than 0.1% is not permitted.
The MGO conversion takes about eight days in drydock.