Israel introduces lower in-port fuel sulphur limits

Vessels calling at Israeli ports will need to use marine fuels with a 0.10% maximum sulphur content from February 2023.

Vessels calling at ports in Israel will need to use marine fuels with a 0.10% maximum sulphur content under new regulations taking effect in February 2023.

Mediterranean Sulphur ECA

Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, adopted to establish a Mediterranean Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides and particulate matter. The requirement will be the same as for other sulphur ECAs. Thus, mandating the use of fuel oil with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% or the use of an exhaust gas cleaning system. The amendments will enter into force on 1 May 2024, and the requirements take effect on 1 May 2025.

Information to be included in the BDN Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix V were adopted. Hence, to also include the flashpoint of the fuel oil. Alternatively, a statement of the measured flashpoint at or above 70°C. The amendments will enter into force on 1 May 2024.

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Israel Sulphur Limits

Although the Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides and particulate matter was recently adopted at MEPC 79, it will not take effect until 2025. The State of Israel, in enacting the new regulations, will put in place measures similar to the EU directive for ships at berth.

Accordingly, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships whilst in all Israel ports and/or designated anchorage areas sulphur should be not more than 0.10% mass by mass (m/m).

The new rules will enter force on 23 February 2023.

Update 12 January 2023

Correspondents Harpaz P&I have provided the official notice issued by the State of Israel Ministry of Transport regarding the new fuel sulphur regulations.

The notice provides guidance on reporting non-availability of compliant fuel (FONAR system) as well as confirming that discharging of wash water from open loop mode EGCS (scrubber) is prohibited when ship is berthing alongside in any Israeli port, including ports anchorage area.

Source: North P&I

See Also

In accordance with the CII rating from the year 2023, the ships subject to the CII rating will have to develop a SEEMP Part 3 (III) on or before 31 December 2022. The Administration or a Recognized Organization (RO) should confirm the new part.

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SEEMP (Part I, II, III) – Everything you need to know

What is SEEMP? From the year 2023, the ships subject to the CII rating will have to develop a SEEMP Part 3 (III) on or before 31 December 2022.

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