IMO updates rules on biofuel blends for bunker ships
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted interim guidance on the carriage of biofuel blends with MARPOL Annex I cargoes by conventional bunker ships.
Under the new guidance, the maximum permitted biofuel blend ratio has increased from 25 to 30 per cent by volume.
This is allowed only if specific conditions are met.
The guidance applies to bunker ships classified as oil tankers under MARPOL Annex I Regulation 1.5. These vessels must also be certified to carry and deliver marine fuel oil.
The crew must discharge all tank residues or washings ashore. Ships may retain them only if their oil discharge monitoring equipment is approved for the specific biofuel blend.
If the ship meets these conditions, it can retain its existing International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate without modification.
Bunker ships carrying blends over 30 per cent must follow MARPOL Annex II and Chapter 17 of the IBC Code.
On non-bunker ships, blends of 25 per cent or less fall under MARPOL Annex I. Blends above 25 per cent are regulated under MARPOL Annex II and must meet IBC Code requirements.
The IMO has also specified the biofuels currently approved for carriage under these guidelines, as outlined in MEPC.2/Circular, Annex 11.
Recently, IMO inaugurated a new Regional Presence Office (RPO) in Suva, Fiji, hosted within the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) buildings.