News 30 Nov, 2009 EU Sulphur Directive Members who trade their vessels to European ports will be aware that Article 4b of the EU Sulphur Directive (2005/33/EC) is due to enter into force on 1 January 2010. As of that date, ships berthed or anchored in EU ports, and all inland waterway craft, will not be permitted to consume marine fuels with a sulphur content exceeding 0.1% by mass. Similarly, Member States must ensure that marine gas oils marketed within their territories comply with the 0.1% sulphur limit by the same date. The provisions do not apply to vessels scheduled to be at berth for less than two hours in accordance with published timetables, hybrid sea-river craft at sea if they hold a certificate proving conformity with SOLAS and ships which switch off all engines and connect to shore power while in port. The Directive also names a number of ferries operating exclusively in Greek territorial waters which have been granted a temporary derogation until 1 January 2012. Boilers Main and auxiliary boilers are generally designed to run on heavy fuel oil (HFO). However, HFO with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1% is currently unobtainable. Switching to low sulphur gas oil is therefore the only practicable alternative at present. Using low sulphur gas oil in a boiler designed to run on HFO may trigger an explosion unless appropriate modifications are made in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations. Additional precautions should also be taken. Lloyd’s Register has published the following advice: • Boiler and fuel system manufacturers should be consulted for fuel switching guidance and to confirm that the boiler, combustion control systems and associated fuel system components, such as pumps, are suitable for the intended types of fuel. • The furnace purge process must be functioning correctly. It is essential that the whole of the furnace space is fully purged before re-lighting any fires. • Burners, in general, and tips, in particular, must b