One of many applications of fuel oil derived from scrap tires by means of pyrolysis is marine fuel. Tire pyrolysis operators, therefore, should be aware of changes in regulations introduced to maritime transportation. The main issue here is sulphur content which is usually rather high in tire pyrolysis oil.

Starting next year IMO 2020 global regulation cap, will require all naval vessels to use fuel that contains sulphur of no more than 0.5%. This is set by Regulation 14.1.3, MARPOL Annex VI.

However, ships equipped with an exhaust gas emissions cleaner (scrubber) that can cut sulphur emissions to 0.5% or less will be regulated differently. At the same time, another legislation permits usage of alternative fuels; thus, prior to 1 January 2020, vessels have to take on board enough 0.5% fuel before the new law is active. The ban also considers vessels that rely on “residual” fuel, not only the ones depending on scrubbers. This law will become effective on 1 March 2020.

To successfully meet the new requirements and avoid fines, the officials recommend all interested parties to develop action plans. In these plans, it is necessary to make sure that by January 1 2020 a ship obeys the following rules: it has a minimum amount of 0.5% fuel on board by the end of December this year; the ship has access to compliant fuel; the tank is cleaned after new fuel is used; all prohibited and residual fuel is de-bunkered; emissions must be monitored; fuel must be managed in a required way with the help of co-mingling, compatibility and separation; charter party issues should also not be overlooked. Apart from making sure that the ship’s exhaust emission level does not exceed the norm, managers also have to maintain a log of these emissions, as the failure to do so are likely to be viewed by port officials as non-compliance.

It is essential to consider the mentioned steps as once the new law is effective, port state control may conduct bunker tanks’ checks to identify whether the ship complies with the ban on sulphur amount exceeding 0.5%. Moreover, the new ban will apply to over 95% of the world’s fleet. Thus, there is no universal law enforcing mechanism. Each port state will set its fines in accordance with local jurisdiction once the vessel is detained.

Press release by BIMCO.