The retroactive MARPOL Annex VI requirement to fit or designate sampling points for taking representative samples of the fuel oil in use onboard ships enters into force on 1 April 2022.
The 75th session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 75) approved amendments to MARPOL Annex VI on procedures for sampling and verification of the sulphur content of fuel oil, including:
-definitions for three types of fuel oil samples,
-the in-use, on board, and MARPOL delivered sample, as well as guidelines for their safe taking;
- mandatory provisions for ships to have designated sampling points for taking representative samples of fuel oil in use, and
procedures for the verification and analysis of in-use and on board samples that are different from those that apply to the ‘MARPOL delivered’ sample.
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