Cayman Islands issued a note on preventing the inadvertent use of low flashpoint and off-specification fuels

The Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) has issued a guidance note No. 10/2023, (Rev. 01) for preventing the inadvertent use of low flashpoint and off-specification fuels.

The note was issued on 29 November 2023.

Background:

Ship owners, especially in the large yacht industry, have unintentionally acquired marine fuel oil not meeting international standards, posing risks to safety, the environment, and onboard machinery.

This note aims to raise awareness of the requirements for conventional fuels on ships and yachts, detailed in the Annex.

Flashpoint:

Fuel oils on board must generally have a flashpoint of at least 60˚C, with exceptions for emergency generators and specified machinery (detailed in the Annex).

Sulphur Content:

MARPOL Annex VI sets the maximum permitted sulphur content for marine fuel oils.

As of January 1, 2020, global sulphur limits reduced to 0.50%, with lower limits in designated areas. Fuels exceeding these limits can only be used with compliant Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) or "Scrubbers."

Fuel Oil Availability and Bunker Delivery Notes:

MARPOL Annex VI outlines requirements for fuel oil availability and quality. A register of compliant fuel oil suppliers is accessible via IMO GISIS.

Where possible, only suppliers listed in GISIS should be used to supply compliant fuel and it should be accompanied by a Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) meeting the requirements set in the Annex.

Inadvertent Bunkering of Non-Compliant Fuel:

Despite efforts, bunkered fuel may occasionally not meet standards. In such cases, the Classification Society and Flag Administration should be contacted for advice. "Debunkering" non-compliant fuel promptly is preferred.

Non-compliant fuel should not be used unless part of an agreed plan with the Classification Society and Flag Administration.

Vessel Safety Management Systems:

Bunkering operations should form part of a vessel’s documented safety management system or standard operating procedures.

Future Amendments:

Section 5 of the Annex in this document contains forthcoming SOLAS amendments regarding fuel oil flashpoints.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Preventing the Inadvertent use of Low Flashpoint and Offspecification Fuels