Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science has announced the delivery of its specialized sulphur testing equipment to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
According to a statement, both organizations are currently preparing to enforce the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI regulation, which will oblige all seafaring vessels to use fuels with less than 0.5% sulphur content.
As a result of the new rules, both ship owners and port authorities need a reliable means of onboard testing that ensures compliance with the IMO’s new fuel requirements.
Bryan Comer examines the path towards zero-emission shipping in a recent Port Technology technical paper
The X-MET8000 XRF analyser from Hitachi – which is portable and can taken anywhere it is required – is said to offer laboratory-quality testing results onboard, delivering a reading in under a minute to support “data-driven decisions”.
In addition to this, the solution is robust enough to be used across a range of different environments and is equipped with a GPS to pinpoint exactly where an analysis has been performed.
Integrated with the advanced data management and storage service ExTOPE Connect, results captured with the device can be stored safely or shared in real-time from any computer.
Wilhelmsen has asserted that Hitachi High-Tech’s XRF spectrometers require little sample preparation and minimal training… @Wilhelmsengroup #PTIDaily #Shipping #Environment #Sustainability https://t.co/gjwBRo0Qkq
— Port Technology (PTI) (@PortTechnology) February 12, 2019
Adrian Smith, Deputy Sales and Service Director at Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science, said: “With less than six months remaining until the new regulations take effect, if organisations such as port authorities, shipping companies, marine surveyors and bunker fuel suppliers do not have an onboard testing solution yet, now is the time to take action.
“Our fully portable solution accurately measures the sulphur content of fuel rapidly, backed by our expertise and many years of experience working with the petrochemical industry.
“With an X-MET 8000 you’ll get an analyser that’s trusted by thousands of businesses around the world, including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Australian Maritime Safety Authority who we are very excited to be working with to help them enforce compliance of the IMO 2020 regulation requirements.”
