Scroll

02 Feb 2017 / Panama Canal, Panama

Maneuvering fuel in Canal waters

Since January 1, 2001, the Panama Canal Authority has required vessels maneuvering in Canal waters to switch from heavy fuel to light duel. This requirement was included from 2001 until 2016 in Notice to Shipping No.N-10, Operational Equipment Tests. Beginning in 2017, the aforementioned requirement on maneuvering fuel was removed from the revised version of Notice to Shipping No.N-10, and included in OP Notice to Shipping N-1-2017, Vessel Requirements.

For the purpose of OP Notice to Shipping No-1-2017, the following definitions apply:

  • Light fuel is a distillate marine fuel as classified by ISO 8216-1:2010, and having the specifications detailed in ISO 8217:2010.
  • Heavy fuel is a residual marine fuel as classified by ISO 8216-1:2010, and having the specifications detailed in ISO 8217:2010.
  • Hybrid fuel is a blended product with specifications that resemble some types of heavy fuel oils (HFO), and are designed to minimize the various operational problems presented by the change-over process from heavy fuel oil to light fuel oil, while having good net calorific values and complying with statutory environmental requirements. Due to their recent development, hybrid fuels are not categorized within the ISO 8217 standard.

Be advised that the light fuel utilized shall have a minimum flash point of 60 deg. C regardless of its classification, and be in compliance with MARPOL, Annex VI in regards to the sulfur content cap, which is currently set at 3.5% m/m (Panama Canal waters are not emission control areas).

Vessels equipped with an operational and approved exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubbers) and vessels operating on low-sulfur hybrid fuels, are not required to switch to light fuel (distillate marine fuel).

(For information about operations in the Panama Canal contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at [email protected])

Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping No.A-04-2017 dated February 1, 2017

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

Make an
enquiry

enquiry icon

Find your
country

country icon