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.