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Fuel for seagoing vessels

Seagoing vessels must comply with international rules regarding their use and transport of fuel. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) monitors compliance with these rules.

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Sulphur content and composition of marine fuel

Dutch-flagged and international seagoing vessels may not:

  • Use marine fuel with a sulphur content exceeding 0.10% m/m (mass by mass) within Emission Control Areas (ECAs) and inland waterways within these areas in the Netherlands.
  • Use marine fuel with a sulphur content exceeding 0.50% m/m outside the ECAs.

Dutch-flagged and international seagoing vessels may only:

  • Use fuel with a higher sulphur content if an approved exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS), also known as a scrubber, is installed on board.
  • Use fuel with a sulphur content exceeding 3.50% m/m in waters and inland waterways in the Netherlands if a closed-loop scrubber is installed on board.

In addition, marine fuel must not contain any:

  • Inorganic acids.
  • Additives that compromise the safety of the vessel, are harmful to crew members or cause additional air pollution.

Ports in the Netherlands may apply stricter local rules. The Port of Amsterdam, for example, imposed a restriction the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems in 2024. A ban on the discharge of wash water from open-loop scrubbers in inland waterways and ports in the Netherlands is currently being prepared.

Potential problems in waters and ports in the Netherlands

EU directive and enforcement

The rules governing sulphur emissions at sea and in ports are laid down in Directive (EU) 2016/802. This directive has been transposed into the Prevention of Pollution from Ships Act and its associated decrees and regulations.

Seagoing vessels must carry a Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) and sealed fuel samples for each batch of fuel.

During Port State Control inspections, the ILT may take fuel samples of both transported and currently used fuel. The ILT also uses drones to measure emissions.

If analysis shows that the fuel does not meet the applicable standards, the ILT may detain the vessel, take enforcement measures, and initiate criminal proceedings against the shipowner if necessary. The maximum fine is €800,000.