September 26, 2013 [Port of Rotterdam] - As of 1 October 2013, the Harbour Master of Rotterdam will be making intensive checks on the use of a vapour return line with the ship to ship handling of heavy fuel oil by inland shipping.
Since 1 January 2013, more stringent rules have applied to the ship to ship handling of heavy fuel oil by inland shipping. Since then heavy fuel oil (UN 3082 with CMR/N1 properties) has been included in the ADN as an enclosed substance.
Due to this change, heavy fuel oil is included as a ‘harmful or dangerous substance’ in the Port Management Regulations (Article 8.1, paragraph 4, under c) and may no longer be transferred from ship to ship without the use of a vapour return line.
This measure prevents crew members and the vicinity from being exposed to possibly dangerous vapours which are released during ship to ship handling.
Rotterdam wants to be a world-class port. For the residents, the shipping and the businesses in the Rotterdam port area. To achieve this, it is important, among other things, that we do not cause any hindrance or nuisance to each other.
Ship to ship handling of heavy fuel oil causes odour nuisance for residents and surrounding businesses if it does not take place in a closed system. The use of a vapour return line prevents this.
Together we want to take responsibility for a safe, efficient and sustainable port. By using a vapour return line, you can do your bit for the further sustainable development of our port.
