AMSA requirements and reporting for the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems in Australian waters

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AMSA Requirements for the use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) to support compliance with the sulphur limit of 0.50 mass per cent concentration (m/m) in fuel oil

  • Published:
  • Author: Panos Mouratidis

Ship operators have three options to comply with the 0.50 per cent m/m fuel oil sulphur limit:

-to use of fuel oil with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.50 per cent m/m,

-to use of alternative fuels that have a sulphur content of 0.50 per cent m/m or less,

-to use of an EGCS, approved and operated in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements.

The ship operator and the Master of a vessel using an Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems is required to notify AMSA before the first arrival at an Australian port (after installation and approval of the EGCS). Vessels should not discharge wash-water from an EGCS in Australian waters if the related reporting data cannot be provided to AMSA. The requested information is described here below:

-Vessel name (in email subject title),                               

-IMO number

-Arrival port

-Arrival date

-EGCS Scheme A or Scheme B approval

-Make and Model of EGCS

-Open-loop, closed-loop or hybrid-type system

-Results of all wash water testing that has been undertaken in accordance with 2015 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems.

Wash water testing should be repeated every twelve months, as a minimum, for a period of two years. EGCS must be approved by the vessel’s flag State administration(or a recognised organisation appointed by the flag State) and must also be operated as per the IMO 2015 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (resolution MEPC.259 (68)).

EGCS malfunctions that lasts more than one hour, or repetitive malfunctions, should be reported to the flag State administration and Competent Authority of the port State of the vessel’s destination. Additional procedures are required to be implemented, if the vessel’s EGCS cannot be returned to a compliant condition within one hour and if the vessel does not have sufficient compliant fuel oil to reach the next port of destination.

Crew members EGCS training, as well as operational and maintenance-operational records for the EGCS should be kept in good working order on-board and should be available during Port State Control inspection.

Source: www.amsa.gov.au

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