Recently, there has been an increase in the number of ships using low-sulphur fuel oil to reduce the content of SOx in diesel engine exhaust gas. However, it is known that such fuel oils have a potential problems caused by its property such as low viscosity. To prevent degrading the performance of engine, some ships have applied fuel oil coolers to lower the temperature of low-sulphur fuel oil in order to increase its viscosity.

In response to the above, Part B of the Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships has been amended to add fuel oil coolers to the list of items that are required to be inspected during Planed Machinery Surveys (CMS, PMS). The relevant amendment (Amendment No.1 of 2012, 15 June 2012) is attached for your reference. This amendment took effect on 15 December 2012.

Please note that not only new ships, but existing ships have already equipped with fuel oil coolers are also covered by this amendment. The owners are kindly requested to inform accordingly to ClassNK surveyor at the time of class survey to add fuel oil coolers to the relevant survey plans. ClassNK surveyor also confirm, if such equipment is installed on board the ship.

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Survey Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2027 / 2028
Fax: +81-3-5226-2029
E-mail: svd@classnk.or.jp

Attachment:
1. GUIDANCE FOR THE SURVEY AND CONSTRUCTION OF STEEL SHIPS, Part B Class Surveys, 2012 AMENDMENT NO.1