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EC Directive 2005/33/EC has been the cause of considerable interest, concern and uncertainty. The entry into force date - January 1, 2010 - of the Directive's 'at berth' requirement that ships burn 0.1% maximum sulphur fuel oil when in port, is certain. However, considerable uncertainties still exist as to compliance, associated technical issues and how the requirements are likely to be enforced.

Lloyd's Register's specialist fuel oil service, FOBAS, has handled many questions on these 'at berth' requirements as it has been alerting the industry to the pending requirement over the four-and-a-half years since the 2005 Directive was published.

To help shipowners and others to understand the operational realities of compliance, these questions and the responses (frequently asked questions [FAQs]) have now been published in a single guidance document.

Commenting on the issue, Andy Wright, FOBAS, based in London, said: "The industry faces a number of operational and technical challenges with this directive and we hope we can clear up many of the uncertainties related to the directive's meaning and application.

"The over-riding priority is safety and this has been reflected in recent updates to Lloyd's Register's Rules together with the publication of design appraisal guidance in respect of boilers which may require modifications in order to use compliant fuel oils. In addition to this there has been a clear need for clarification on many detailed operational points and what are the technical implications of compliance. By publishing these frequently asked questions our intent has been to provide shipowners and operators with comprehensive guidance which will deliver the information, at a practical level, that they need."

Actual implementation will be by the appropriate department of the administration of the Member States, within whose waters ships operate. In giving this guidance Lloyd's Register says it is operating as an 'informed observer', offering the FAQs to inform and assist.

To download the document Frequently asked questions on the 'at berth' requirements click on the link below:

Link: Lloyd's Register FOBAS FAQ's

To download a bulletin about the limitation on the sulphur content of fuel oils used by ships while 'at berth' in ports within the European Union please click on the link below:

Link: Sulphur content limitation