It has been reported that the Hebei office of the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration will implement the low sulphur fuel regime (less than 0.5%) at the three ports of Ports of Qinhuangdao, Tangshan and Huangye. The regime will be in place from 1 January 2017 onwards.
The local MSA will make the following examinations to ensure the oil used by ships is in accordance with the requirements:
- An examination of the oil quality of the supplying unit (in conjunction with the local quality inspection department)
- Ships will be examined in port, and punitive measures will be taken against any vessels with a sulphur content exceeding 0.5%.
- Clean energy or treatment of exhaust gas will be examined. If the ship uses alternative energy e.g. shore power or exhaust gas treatment, a record must be maintained in the ship’s documents and the relevant certificates held. The MSA will examine the ship’s records and certificates.
The examination policy will extend to other Chinese Ports from 01 January 2018 and to all Chinese navigable waters from January 1st 2019.
