SOx emission regulation – impact on fuel supply pumps
Since May 2005, specific environmentally friendly MARPOL regulations stipulate that emissions from main and auxiliary machinery must be kept within specific limits. They require, for instance, reduction of sulphur oxide combinations (SOx), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide combinations (NOx).
The subsequent EU Marine Fuel Sulfur Directive defines Emissions Control Areas (ECAs) slightly differently. Ships at berth in European ports for more than 2 hours are only allowed to operate on fuels of max 0,1% sulfur content .
In reality this means that the ship will have to switch to low sulphur distillate fuel oil (marine gas oil or MGO) when entering a European port. Switching to MGO means that viscosity will dramatically fall when compared to traditional heavy fuel oils such as number 6 diesel used on most commercial vessels. In some cases, MGO fuels will have a viscosity as low as 1,2 – 2,0 cSt. This low viscosity fuel is not ideal for positive displacement pumps, particularly gear pumps. However, the Colfax positive displacement screw pumps from IMO and Allweiler have been tested and are capable of handling the low sulfur MGO quite well. Shipowners need to consider the impact of this fuel change on their existing fleet and new shipbuilds.
One of the world’s largest tanker operators, which operates and maintains 100 vessels, chose the IMO OptiLine pumps in order to secure his fleet, not only for existing but also for future legislations. Please see case study here!
Jon Berggren
Market Manager – Commercial Marine
