Japanese shipowning giant NYK has come up with a new device to check the sulphur content of fuel on board vessels.
It has joined forces with technology company Horiba to develop the kit, which is based on an existing device used at onshore analysis centres.
"NYK will be able to thoroughly comply with regulations limiting sulphur oxides (SOx) from vessels, as well as optimise the company’s use of low-sulphur fuel oil," it said.
Due to new regulations, engineers must change to LSFO before entering emission control areas (ECAs) by calculating the time that the sulphur concentration in tanks and pipes will fall to 0.1% or less.
They have wanted to be able to perform checks on board to determine the best timing to change fuel and adhere to regulations, the owner said.
The machine can analyse a wide range of fuel, from heavy oil to light oil.
It uses disposable sample cells to keep clean, even in the engine room.
