The paper describes current and future changes in regulations for marine fuel connected with sulphur oxides emission and the consequences of this process for shipowners and crews. Introducing new requirements concerning fuels caused appearing specific operating problems. The problems connected with exploitation after limiting of sulphur oxides emission refers mainly to protection of the fuel system (fuel injection pumps and injection valves). From the point of view of operating’s safety and a vessel itself, it is essential that engines, pumps, boilers and boiler burners are properly prepared for servicing and burning of low-sulphur fuels. The changes extorted the preparation of procedures of entrances and exits form the ECA zone and recommendations for shipowners and crews use. Shipowners carry out analytical research upon the influence of applied fuel upon safety of operating marine power plants, upon technical condition of operated machinery. Crews are trained in the scope of implementing the described changes. The other groups of problems are these connected with increase of operating costs and the danger of sea logistics roads transfer to road ones
