With reference to the 1.00% sulfur limit in ECA areas, we have received many queries from our customers and we give interpretations below.
The bodies that will ensure compliance will the MARPOL regulations will be the State Port Authorities. Already, Norway has announced that they will accept 1.00% sulfur content only. This means that the variation permitted by ISO 4259 (0.06%) will not be available. Considering that different states may come with different interpretations,
we feel that it is safer to make purchases of fuels for the ECA area with a sulfur limit of 1.00%. This means that the suppliers limit should be 0.94% so that if this is tested in any other lab, the sulfur content will not excel 1.00% after including the permitted variation.

This will be the best way to avoid any problems.

During a State Port inspection, it may not be enough to have the BDN which shows 1.00% or less. There may be a demand from the State Port Authorities to see the lab test results as well. If both the BDN and the lab test shows less than 1.00% sulfur or less, nothing more may be needed.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Best regards,

Dr.Vis
VISWA LAB
12140 Almeda Road,
Houston, Texas 77045, USA
Tel: USA (713) 842-1985
Fax: USA (713) 842-1981
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Web: http://www.viswalab.com