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China catches two ships flouting low sulphur rules

Date:14-01-2020

China catches two ships flouting low sulphur rules

But one of the incidents may have been caused by high sulphur fuel residue left over from fuel switch


China is reported to have caught two ships that were allegedly using non-compliant bunker fuel, according to the Standard P&I Club.



The first ship was said to have been undergoing a port state control inspection in Qingdao when the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) is said to have verified the use of fuel oil with a sulphur content of 0.6777% mm.

The second ship was berthed in Xiamen when the MSA cited her with “burning non-compliant fuel”, according to the P&I club.

The ship is said to have been at berth nearly six days after changing over to compliant fuel. However, it is likely that previous high sulphur fuel residue remained in the engine fuel system resulting in emissions over the China ECA limit, the Standard Club said.

“It is not clear yet whether the MSA will fine the ships as a result of the infractions,” it added.

The Standard Club said that according to the Chinese implementation plan of IMO 2020, the MSA will handle infractions in accordance with China’s Atmospheric Pollution Prevention and Control Law.

“Article 106 of this law provides that ships can be fined no less than CNY 10,000 ($1,445) but no more than CNY 100,000,” it said.