The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Monday (16 March) published an article offering constructive solutions for bunkering operations to reduce the risk of infections:
In light of the ongoing global developments surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, IBIA is looking to offer practical advice to our members to mitigate the risk of infection during bunkering operations. Given the international nature of shipping, the contact between ship and shore personnel during the bunkering process involves a possible risk of spreading the virus.
The key issues for any personnel involved in a bunker delivery – barge crew, ship crew, surveyors or agents – are to minimize touching surfaces which may be contaminated. The virus is unlikely to persist on bunker hoses, flanges, valve wheels etc. and in any case, gloves should always be worn in these circumstances.
Paper, laminated plastic and polished surfaces may retain the virus for longer and hence pose some transmission risk (bunker receipts, check lists, safety cards etc.) so after touching these, wash your hands. The USA Centre for Disease Control says “It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”
Individual ports and regional bunkering sectors are offering their own specific advice and guidance as to what is applicable in their particular area regarding acceptable practices during this time, but key points for consideration regarding bunkering operations include:
Below is some general advice to avoid spreading the coronavirus:
Further general advice regarding COVID -19 can be found on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/
Advisory from Singapore on COVID-19 precautionary measures
Below are examples of advice provided by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and a bunker survey company in Singapore.
MPA has issued Port Marine Circular No. 09 of 2020: PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO MINIMISE RISK OF COMMUNITY SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) IN SINGAPORE. https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/port-of-singapore/circulars-and-notices/detail/01af8316-12ef-4f4a-99c8-92f1e9ed17de
Procedures recommended by a bunker survey company in Singapore for surveyors attending bunkerings to safeguard the wellbeing of their employees and the on-board crew:
This is just one example of the steps being taken by different active parties within the supply chain in a particular port/region. It is vital to note that procedures and expectations elsewhere may differ.
Photo credit and Source: IBIA
Published: 17 March, 2020
IBIA Asia, ABIS, sources from Singapore’s bunkering and surveying companies, and an industry veteran share with Manifold Times the issues expected from MPA’s latest Covid-19 measures.
The top three positive movers in the 2020 bunker supplier list are Hong Lam Fuels Pte Ltd (+13); Chevron Singapore Pte Ltd (+12); and SK Energy International (+8), according to MPA list.
‘We will operate in the Singapore bunkering market from the Tokyo, with support from local staff at Sumitomo Corporation Singapore,’ source tells Manifold Times.
Changes include abolishing advance declaration of bunkers as dangerous cargo, reducing pilotage fees on vessels receiving bunkers, and a ‘whitelist’ system for bunker tankers.
Claim relates to deliveries of MGO to the vessels Pacific Diligence, Pacific Valkyrie, Pacific Defiance, Crest Alpha 1, and Pacific Warlock between March 2020 to April 2020.
3,490 mt of LSFO from Itochu Enex was lifted at Universal Terminal; the same bunker stem was bought by Global Marine Logistics and delivered by bunker tanker Juma to receiving vessel Kirana Nawa.