In a move to bolster maritime safety and regulatory compliance, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has released updated guidelines on fuel oil sampling for compliance verification with SOLAS Chapter II-2 and MARPOL Annex VI. Issued through the joint circular MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.18 on July 11, 2024, these new guidelines revise the 2009 MEPC Resolution 182(59) and introduce important changes, including modifications to the MARPOL Delivered Sample protocol.
Key Updates in the Revised Guidelines
The recent updates focus on improved sampling accuracy and monitoring protocols, ensuring that fuel oil on vessels meets safety and environmental standards.
- Increased Sample Size Requirement: The minimum required sample size has increased from 400 milliliters to 600 milliliters, strengthening sample representativeness for compliance verification.
- Specific Fuel Oil Definition: For clarity, “fuel oil” is now defined as per MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 2.1.14 and MARPOL Annex I Regulation 1, ensuring consistency in regulation interpretation and adherence.
- Training and Procedure Familiarization: The guidelines now specify that personnel conducting sampling must be well-versed with both the Guidelines and proper equipment usage. Additionally, the sampling procedure must be observed by both ship officials and suppliers, promoting transparency and procedural integrity.
- New Section on Flashpoint Testing: Section 10 introduces protocols for fuel flashpoint testing under SOLAS Regulation II-2/4.2.1. This enhances safety by confirming that fuels meet flashpoint requirements, reducing fire risks.
- Enhanced Monitoring of Delivered Samples: The responsibility for monitoring MARPOL Delivered Samples now falls on the company rather than the ship’s master. This change underscores the importance of sample tracking, particularly when samples are tested off-ship and are not returned.
The MARPOL Delivered Sample is strictly for verifying compliance with SOLAS and MARPOL Annex VI requirements, and cannot be used for other purposes, such as resolving disputes over fuel quality.
How VURDHAAN Supports Maritime Compliance
At VURDHAAN, we recognize the increasing complexity of MARPOL and SOLAS regulations and are dedicated to helping maritime companies seamlessly integrate these updated guidelines into their operational processes. Our expertise in MARPOL compliance and environmental fuel monitoring enables our clients to remain fully compliant while enhancing environmental performance. Through our support, companies can navigate sampling guidelines efficiently, achieve regulatory alignment, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Building a Compliant and Sustainable Future in Maritime
The IMO’s revised sampling guidelines emphasize the need for accurate sampling, transparent monitoring, and comprehensive training. By incorporating these updates, maritime companies can not only safeguard onboard safety but also align more closely with global sustainability goals. This new direction in fuel oil compliance encourages companies to uphold higher standards in monitoring emissions and fuel quality, contributing to the long-term health of the maritime environment.
VURDHAAN is committed to supporting this shift by providing expertise and solutions that enable our clients to adopt and sustain responsible practices in line with regulatory advancements, ensuring that the maritime industry can continue progressing toward a cleaner, safer future.