Videotel Helps Low-Sulfur Fuel Switchover Procedures

Videotel has responded to concerns from the U.S. Coast Guard about an increasing number of machinery space fuel leakages when vessels are switching to low-sulfur fuel as they comply with MARPOL Annex VI, by producing a program that will help guide shipowners through the process.

The recent lowering of acceptable sulfur limits for ships operating in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) has also led to calls from the shipowners’ organization, BIMCO, for governments to exercise robust enforcement of these tighter controls to ensure a continued level playing field.

The Videotel program “The Practical Management and Switching of Marine Fuels” details how to effectively implement fuel oil changeover procedures. It takes into consideration issues such as whether the vessel will require fuel oil service or day tank modifications; whether a crew needs to establish a fuel oil system inspection and maintenance schedule; how to check that all sensors, controls, and alarms are operational; and how to ensure that fuel oil switching is done outside busy traffic lanes and designated ECAs.

Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel, said: “It is critical that crews are aware of best practice when switching heavy marine fuel oil to low sulfur fuel because without proper training, serious operational problems can occur impairing a ship’s performance or even, in a worst case scenario, damaging a ship’s main or auxiliary engines.”

The program is available in DVD, Videotel on Demand (VOD), VOD online, and e-Learning Computer Based Training (CBT). All are accompanied by a PDF workbook which highlights key learning points.