Murphy, Rogers & Sloss, New Orleans, US, has provided us with the following information.

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This safety alert updates Safety Alert 2-15, dated March 3, 2015, by adding two additional recommendations. 

The Coast Guard has confirmed several reports it has received stating that main engines may not attain the expected speed when using ultra low sulfur fuel oil.  As such, the Coast Guard has revised its list of recommendations to vessel owners and operators about the importance of establishing effective fuel oil changeover procedures to comply with MARPOL Annex VI emission regulations.

• (New) As part of the master-pilot information exchange (as required by 33 CFR 164.11(k)), discuss the vessel’s maneuvering characteristics, including any change in RPMs associated with ULS fuel oil; 
• (New) Determine if using ULS fuel necessitates amendments to the pilot card (see IMO RES A.601(15) and NVIC 7-89);

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Please find alert in full here

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