IBIA: New IMO regulations on flashpoint put onus on suppliers

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Friday (25 November) issued a update informing of amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2; including detailed flashpoint documentation requirements for suppliers, and for authorities to report off-specs

“After years of discussion, the IMO has formally adopted a set of SOLAS amendments designed to prevent the supply of fuels in breach of the minimum 60°C flashpoint limit in SOLAS Chapter II-2,” stated IBIA Director Unni Einemo in the update. 

“IBIA has worked hard to ensure the amendments are pragmatic and workable. Now we need to ensure these new regulatory elements are properly understood, as there is scope for confusion.”

IBIA took part in the 106th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 106, November 2 to 11), including the so-called ‘Drafting Group’ which did a final review of the draft regulatory amendments prior to adoption, according to Einemo.

“During these final discussions about the exact wording, I discovered that what seems perfectly clear and logical to those of us who have been part of the full regulatory drafting process, is not equally clear to those who are not familiar with the thinking behind amendments,” she highlighted.

“That means the amendments could be open to misunderstandings, which is concerning and unhelpful if various parties have different ideas about what the regulation actually means.

“The amendments, which add new elements to SOLAS Chapter II-2, are written in a way that pre-supposes knowledge of the entire regulation, such as existing definitions and other specific parts of the regulation.”

Note: The substantial amendments to to SOLAS Chapter II-2, as explained by Einemo, can be viewed here.

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 28 November, 2022