Phelps Dunbar LLP, New Orleans, has provided us with the following information
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In accordance with MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 14.4 and Title 40 CFR 1043.60, the sulfur content of fuel used on board ships operating in the North American Emission Control Area shall not exceed 0.1%.
For vessels bound for ports on the Lower Mississippi River, the Captain of the Port in New Orleans has issued the following requirements:
- Vessel operators shall switch-over to compliant fuel in accordance with the approved shipboard procedures BEFORE entering into the North America Emissions Control Area. [Note: The Coast Guard will verify whether or not approved shipboard fuel change-over procedures were complied with during any post casualty investigation related to the use of compliant fuel.]
- All vessels shall report to the U. S. Coast Guard all known or anticipated reductions in maneuverability as a result of using compliant fuel. These reports should include [but are not limited to] any main engine performance/reduction in available revolutions per minute or delayed responsiveness to engine order commands.
- When ordering a Mississippi River Pilot vessel operators shall report to the pilot dispatch any change in the vessel’s performance as compared to the information stated on the pilot card as a result of using compliant fuel. This same information should be immediately communicated with the pilot assigned to your vessel upon boarding during review of the pilot card information with the Master. In accordance with 33 CFR 164.11, upon boarding the vessel, the Pilot must be informed of any abnormal circumstances on the vessel that may affect its safe navigation.
Additionally, vessel operators which enter port without compliant fuel on board and subsequently acquire compliant fuel while in the Mississippi River shall comply with the operating requirements noted in U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Marine Safety Bulletin Volume XV Issue: 011 – “North American Emission Control Area (NA-ECA) Low Sulfur Fuel Oil Changeover Concerns”.
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Please find Member Alert US – Low sulphur fuel changover requirements in Mississippi here, Jan 2015
MSIB XV Issue 019 Requirements for Vessels Operating on ECA Compliant Fuel.pdf
Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.