---

Korean classification society The Korean Register (KR) has announced the launch of an in-house developed software program to assist vessels with fuel oil changeover when complying with new low-sulphur regulations.

From January 1, MARPOL Annex VI Reg 14 requires vessels sailing within an Emission Control Area (ECA) to burn fuel with a sulphur content of 0.1 percent or less. This means that ships must switch from normal fuel to low-sulphur fuel before entering the restricted zone.

KR's new software is said to assess fuel consumption at actual operating speed to calculate the time required to completely switch to a low-sulphur fuel.

KR explains: "The current practice is generally to rely on the experience of the chief engineer which KR has found often results in the vessel burning more of the expensive low sulphur fuel than is necessary. The new software (called fuel oil change over - FOCO) gives much more accurate timings that will save fuel and cost. The software also provides accurate technical data that can be used to report to port state control if changeover times are questioned."

On announcing the new program, KR's Chairman and CEO, Dr. B. S. Park, said: "As a professional engineering service provider, we have developed a variety of technical solutions to help our ship operating customers achieve fuel economy. This software program comes at a time when the shipping community is working hard to comply with strict environmental controls and is part of a range of tools we are developing to help our customers and stakeholders."

The FOCO program is now available for free download from KR's website.