IBIA seeks clarity on flash point documentation at IMO
The bunker association has submitted a proposal to improve general understanding of the IMO’s new flash point regulation.
PHOTO: Lab test of oil in vial. Getty Images
The objective of the proposal is to improve understanding and workability of new flash point regulations and draft guidelines for fuel sampling, the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) says.
Last November, the IMO adopted amendments to the SOLAS Chapter II-2 regulation at its Maritime Safety Committee meeting (MSC 106). The amendments mandated bunker suppliers to provide ships with flash point information in bunker delivery notes (BDNs).
According to IBIA, certain parts of the new flash point regulation text have created confusion among bunker suppliers. For instance, the text says “a bunker delivery note for the oil fuel delivered to the ship shall contain either the flashpoint specified in accordance with standards acceptable to the Organization, or a statement that the flashpoint has been measured at or above 70°C.”
“Some take this to mean that the flashpoint limit has been increased from 60°C to 70°C,” the bunker association said in its proposal to the IMO. It went on to say that some participants may get confused between the actual flash point value and the statement.
In order to clear this confusion, IBIA thinks the actual flash point should be mentioned in the BDN i.e., “if flash occurs when the sample has been heated to a temperature below 70°C, this temperature should be reported on the bunker delivery note,” IBIA said in its proposal.
If the fuel sample is unable to ignite at temperatures above 70°C, it will still be sufficient to meet the SOLAS regulation, which sets a minimum 60°C flash point limit for residual marine fuels.
IBIA's submission comes ahead of IMO’s MSC 107 meeting, which is scheduled from 31 May to 9 June. MSC oversees all matters related to maritime safety and security which falls under IMO’s jurisdiction, the IMO website says.
The amendments are expected to come into force on 1 May 2024.
By Nithin Chandran
Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online
