670 - 12/09 - EU low-sulphur fuel update part 2 - Europe
However, as the delimitations (area) of the port is established by the Competent Authority in each single Member State and not by the Directive, any further consultation should be done with the respective authorities.
Q: Can LNG-carriers comply with the standard while burning a mixture of boil off gas and heavy fuel oil? A: The current text of the Directive does specify that no use of fuel containing more than 0.1% sulphur is allowed. However, as an alternative to using this low sulphur fuel, Member States may allow ships to use an approved emission abatement technology. The Commission is of the opinion that the technology to use both LNG and HFO does constitute such equivalent, provided that the mixture is such that the resulting emissions of sulphur dioxide are equal to or lower than when only burning 0.1% sulphur fuel. The Commission therefore intends to propose to Member States to allow for this equivalent. The Member States will decide on this matter in a designated Committee, which will be called together at the earliest convenience. Q: If a ship has made arrangements to install the necessary modifications to its boilers before it is able to switchover fuel safely but the modifications are not yet implemented, is it allowed to continue using HFO at berth exceeding 0.1% sulphur in the meantime? A: No, the Directive has no exemptions. However, the Commission intends to publish a Recommendation which will be aimed at the Member States and will invite them while enforcing the Directive, to request those ships which fail to comply with the Directive to provide detailed evidence of steps taken for arrangements to install the necessary modifications, including the approval by a Recognized Organization or Class. The Member States may consider the existence of an approved retrofit plan when assessing the degree of penalties to be applied to non-complying ships .Q: When does the requirement to use fuel with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.1% sulphur end? A: This requirement continues to apply while the ship is at berth or at anchor until as late as possible before departure, when it is allowed to start fuel changeover to be ready for departure. Q: Does the requirement to use fuel with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.1% still apply to a ship which has left berth or anchorage but is still sailing in the port area? A: No. The requirement does not apply to ships manoeuvring or on their way to enter or leave the port.”Source of information:
International Bunker Industry Association
http://www.ibia.net