Business

IBIA speaks in favour of Mediterranean ECA at MEPC 78

There should be sufficient availability of compliant fuels for the new Mediterranean SOx Emission Control Area, IBIA’s IMO representative Unni Einemo told MEPC 78.

Published

3 years ago

June 24, 2022

Admin

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Tuesday (14 June) published an article to elaborate its support of a proposal to designate the Mediterranean Sea as an Emission Control Area (ECA) for sulphur oxides (SOx).

Member States expressed some concerns at IMO last week about a proposal to designate the Mediterranean Sea as an Emission Control Area (ECA) for sulphur oxides (SOx).

During discussion in plenary at the 78th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 78), a majority of those who spoke supported the proposal, highlighting the benefits for human health and the environment due to reduced SOx and particulate matter emissions from shipping in the region. It was a remarkable achievement to obtain agreement among the 21 contracting parties to the Barcelona Convention to apply for ECA statues, after many years of discussing the possibility of a partial or more comprehensive ECA in the Mediterranean. In fact, all coastal States of the Mediterranean Sea were co-sponsors of the proposal.

It was noted, however, that the application to demonstrate that a SOx ECA is justified in the Mediterranean was based on data from before 2020, leading some to question the credibility as it did not have data on the air quality improvements since the introduction of a 0.50% sulphur limit globally (outside ECAs).

Several member states were concerned about the fact that not all the Mediterranean coastal States are Party to MARPOL Annex VI, which could undermine the uniformity of implementation. They urged ratification of Annex VI by those States prior to the Mediterranean ECA taking effect.

Other concerns raised were about the possible economic impact on fuel prices and global trade as the Mediterranean is a crucial international shipping route which means the impact goes beyond countries in the region. Safety issues related to fuel switching and sufficient availability of 0.10% sulphur fuels were also questioned.

IBIA spoke in favour of the proposal at MEPC 78.

“We support the proposed Emission Control Area in the Mediterranean, which should bring air quality benefits for populations in the region. We already have experience with extensive Emission Control Areas in Northern Europe and North America, where implementation of the 0.10% sulphur limit was relatively smooth. There should be sufficient availability of compliant fuels for this new Emission Control Area too, as marine gas oil with maximum 0.10% sulphur are offered in most supply locations both in the Mediterranean, and globally,” IBIA’s IMO representative Unni Einemo told the meeting.

After a technical group review, MEPC 78 approved draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to designate an ECA for sulphur oxides and particulate matter for the Mediterranean Sea, with a view to adoption at MEPC 79 (12-16 December 2022).

If adopted at MEPC 79, the Mediterranean SOx ECA could take effect from early 2025, probably on 1 May 2025.

Photo credit: IBIA
Published: 24 June, 2022

Winding up

Singapore: Liquidator of Vanda Marine Services issues notice of dividend

First and final dividend of company is payable from 23 January at Rock Stevenson Pte Ltd, 8 Burn Road, Trivex #16-12, Singapore 369977, according to Government Gazette notice.

Published

4 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Admin

A notice was published in the Government Gazette on Thursday (22 January) regarding the first and final dividend to creditors of Vanda Marine Services Pte Ltd.

The following are details of the notice of dividend of the company:

Name of Company : Vanda Marine Services Pte Ltd(In Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation)

Unique Entity No. / Registration No. : 201209660C

Address of Registered Office : 8 Burn Road, Trivex #16-12, Singapore 369977

Amount per centum : 23 per centum of all admitted ordinary claims

First and Final or otherwise : First and Final

When payable : 23 January 2025 onwards

Where payable : c/o Rock Stevenson Pte Ltd, 8 Burn Road, Trivex #16-12, Singapore 369977

Manifold Times previously reported several resolutions for Vanda Marine Services, including winding up the company voluntarily, were passed during an extraordinary meeting in March last year.

Photo credit: steve pb from Pixabay
Published: 23 January, 2025

Methanol

China launches first simulation training platform for methanol bunkering operations

Through the real-life simulation, the platform helps ship operators improve their safety management and emergency response capabilities, improving the development of green shipping technologies.

Published

5 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Admin

China launched its first training platform to simulate methanol bunkering operations at Putuo District, Zhoushan on 15 January.

The Methanol Bunkering System Simulation Training Platform V1.0 was created to fill technical gaps in domestic methanol bunkering training and exercises, in light of the growing demand and popularity for methanol in the shipping industry.

Through the real-life simulation, the platform helps ship operators improve their safety management and emergency response capabilities, improving the development of green shipping technologies.

The platform was jointly developed by Zhejiang Ocean-U New Energy System Engineering and Zhejiang Ocean University.

At the press conference , Zhejiang Ocean-U New Energy System Engineering successfully signed its first purchase agreement with Seacon Ships Management (Zhejiang), making Seacon the first customer to purchase the platform service.

Wang Guofeng, chairman of Seacon, said that the platform has great potential in improving crew operating efficiency and safety, and he looks forward to deeper cooperation with Zhejiang Ocean-U New Energy System Engineering in the future.

Professor Lu Jinshu, Vice President of Zhejiang Ocean University, said they will continuously improve the platform to contribute more in the field of green shipping solutions to the industry.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 23 January, 2025

Hydrogen

Klaipėda Port launches Lithuania’s first hydrogen-powered vessel

Tanker’s power system, which will consist of two electric motors powered by 2,000 kWh batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell system, will enable it to operate for up to 36 hours without additional power charging.

Published

5 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Admin

Klaipėda Port launches Lithuania’s first hydrogen-powered vessel

Klaipėda State Seaport Authority on Wednesday (22 January) said the first ever green hydrogen and electricity-powered ship in Lithuania has been moved from shipyard into water.

Leaving no trace on the environment, it will clean other vessels entering the port, accepting waste from them.

According to the current rules, vessels are obliged to hand over the waste they produce when they arrive and before they leave Klaipėda Port. The Seaport Authority was entrusted with the collection of the waste, and the company decided to use modern and environmentally friendly equipment to further improve the quality of the ship waste collection service.

The tanker’s main function is to collect storm water, sewage, sludge and garbage, as well as to ensure efficient waste management. The ship will be equipped with special tanks and a modern rainwater treatment plant that will allow the treated water to be transferred to the city’s sewage treatment plants. The tanker will be ready to work around the clock and collect up to 400 cubic metres of liquid waste.

The tanker is 42 metres long and 10 metres wide. The ship’s power system will consist of two electric motors powered by 2,000 kWh batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell system. Depending on the intensity of the work, the tanker will be able to operate in the port of Klaipėda for up to 36 hours without additional power charging.

This ship building project with a total value of EUR 12 million (USD 12.5 million) has been commissioned by the Port Authority and is being built by West Baltic Shipyard together with Baltic Workboats under a joint operating agreement.

“We have not only launched a tanker, but also a new approach to port operations – cleaner, smarter and more environmentally friendly. This first ever hydrogen and electricity-powered ship is not only an innovative technological solution, but also an important step in strengthening Lithuania’s image as a modern maritime nation,” said Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.

“At the moment, the tanker is getting used to the seaport water, so to speak, and at the end of the year we expect it to start its important mission of taking care of the clean seaport environment. Such a decision will not leave a footprint on nature, but it will certainly leave a strong mark on our path to a greener future.”

In June last year, a symbolic keel-laying ceremony at the West Baltic Shipyard of the West Baltic Shipyard Group marked the start of the ship’s construction. To date, the hull has been fabricated and painted, with piping, valves, coolers, shaft lines, rudder feathers, heat and fire insulation installed.

Once the tanker is moved into the water, the engine room equipment will be installed, the interior of the wheelhouse will be redecorated, the electrical wiring and the main electrical engines will be installed, the hydrogen system will be installed and other work necessary for the operation of the ship will be carried out.

Photo credit: Klaipėda State Seaport Authority
Published: 23 January, 2025