Is Existing Maintenance System Adequate for Sulphur 2020 Amendments?

Abstract

Sulphur 2020 regulation as a reduction of sulphur emissions has been caused a big challenge via using new fuels in the maritime industry. Consistent changes in the chemical and physical properties of these new fuels make classical maintenance methods as brake down or planned inadequate and endanger operational and navigational safety on ships. Within this framework, ship maintenance systems need to be reevaluated in accordance with the new marine fuels. In this study, firstly impacts of new marine fuels on ships have been evaluated by means of a literature review. Furthermore, repair and maintenance systems have been presented that are currently used on board ships. Subsequently, advantages of a predictive maintenance system that will reduce risk by constantly monitoring the potential critical characteristics of VLSFO over other maintenance systems have been discussed. Then, assessments of compliance fuel have been done in accordance with fuel properties, problems and corrective actions. Lastly, discussions and suggestions have been provided to the ship owners and technical managements.