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The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has issued a notice to bunker suppliers and shipowners concerning legislation in Ireland on the sulphur content of fuel.

From January 1st 2010, important changes entered into force affecting shipping at berth or at anchor in ports of Ireland, and bunker suppliers supplying marine fuels to ships in port or at anchor in the State.

Within the Europen Union, EU Directive 2005/33/EC requires that member states take all necessary steps to ensure that ships at berth in their ports do not use marine fuels with a sulphur content exceeding 0.1 percent by mass.

The Sulphur Content of Heavy Fuel, Gas Oil, and Marine Fuel Regulations 2008, S.I. 119 of 2008 brings this EU legislation into Irish law and amends existing law.

"All those concerned with shipping and the supply of marine fuel oil should be aware of, and fully implement, the requirements of these Regulations," the SEAI said.

Ships at berth or at anchor

Ships at berth or at anchor in the State shall not use fuels that exceed 0.1 percent sulphur by mass subject to Regulation 7 (4) and 7 (5) of the Regulations.

Bunker fuel oil suppliers

Bunker fuel suppliers in the State are required to register with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and provide certain information annually to SEAI, Regulation 8 (3) and 8 (4).

Vessel records

Vessels entering ports in the State are required to maintain adequate records of fuel changeover operations for compliance with these Regulations as a condition of port entry.

Compliance

In very limited circumstances, there may be a delay in ships being able to comply fully with this legislation. This would usually be due to significant changes having to be made to the burner units of large marine boilers in order to safely burn 0.1 percent gas oil.

If such a condition exists on a ship intending to enter an Irish port or anchorage, the Marine Survey Office (MSO) is to be notified at least 48 hours in advance and full details of the non-compliance are to be explained.

Also required will be details of what measures the ship’s management has put in place to move towards full compliance. The MSO will consider each case on its individual merits but, in no case, will blanket exemptions or waivers be given from the requirements of these Regulations.

Non-compliance with the requirements of S.I. 119/2008 may result in prosecution.

Marine fuel suppliers should provide details for the Marine Fuel Supply Register and annual returns to SEAI. Templates for both can be downloaded from the SEAI website at the web address below:

http://www.seai.ie/Publications/Statistics_Publications/Marine_Fuel_Register