How will the new Mediterranean ECA affect you?
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) announcement of the new Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations for the Mediterranean in 2024 is expected to have a Significant Impact on the Shipping Industry.
The regulations are expected to drive changes in fuel consumption and ship maintenance, leading to increased costs, stricter environmental standards, and the need for additional testing. Long-term benefits, however, are likely to include improved air quality and reduced hazardous emissions, as well as increased efficiency across the shipping industry.
To reduce the environmental impact of ships these regulations require vessels to use fuels with a sulphur content of 0.10% or less when entering or staying within an ECA area. In order to become compliant with these standards there are associated costs, safety concerns and operational technical issues that arise from using lower sulphur fuels.
Associated costs.
Moving to low sulphur fuels to adhere to the Mediterranean ECA can involve several costs. Shipowners may need to invest in new, more efficient engines which can handle the lower sulphur contents, as well as ensuring that fuel tanks and other equipment are clean and suitable for use with low sulphur fuels. Additionally, there may be costs associated with fuel additives, increased testing and monitoring required to ensure compliance. Over time these investments are likely to pay off however, as ships become better prepared for future regulations.
Operational technical issues
The viscosity of fuel oil has an important impact on operations associated with the use of low sulphur fuels. #LowViscosity may result in increased wear and tear on ships engines, accelerated pump cavitation and fuel injector errors, all of which can cause increased safety risks.
There are a few ways to reduce safety concerns when using lower sulphur fuels. Firstly, ships must ensure that their #Lubricity levels are maintained by keeping clean fuel tanks and regularly testing and monitoring fuel oil. Aderco 2055G can help prepare your fuel tank and engine prior to the use of these fuels by cleaning the fuel tank and through the fuel engine. Additionally, the use of specially designed additives such as Aderco L1050 Lubricity Improver can help to significantly improve the viscosity of low sulphur fuels, thus reducing potential safety risks.
The impact on the Cruise and Merchant industry
The regulations will have a significant impact on the cruise and merchant industry. Higher fuel costs, increased administrative requirements and environmental standards will likely cause cruise lines to increase prices or reduce services to remain compliant and competitive. Importers may face increased prices if the cost of compliance is passed on from the vessel operators. On the other hand, improved air quality, reduced hazardous emissions and increased efficiency across the industry could lead to operational cost savings which could be passed on to customers and benefit the cruise-going public.
One thing we do know is the Mediterranean #ECA will create major changes to how merchant vessels and #Cruise operate in the region. Higher fuel costs, increased prices and potential operational cost savings are all issues which shippers need to take into consideration when planning for the future. Ultimately, the new regulations will help reduce emissions, improve air quality and increase efficiency across the industry, but it is important for operators to be aware of and prepare for any additional costs that may come along with these changes.
If you would like to learn more about how #Aderco fuel conditioner and lubricity improver can help prepare your vessels speak to our team today.
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