The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) has voiced concerns on the implementation of the 0.5% sulphur cap for marine fuel from 2020.
The organisation says it is promoting the consideration of transitional issues such as the availability and safety aspects of compliant fuels, and incidents of non-availability of low sulphur bunkers at certain ports.
It also encourages the effective implementation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s 2020 sulphur cap regulation, yet with a pragmatic approach.
According to Intercargo, shipowners currently face technical and operational challenges in achieving compliance from 01 Jan 2020 due to the current marine fuel supply landscape and widespread uncertainty.
“The availability of compliant fuels and their safe consumption are especially of concern,” it explains.
“A drastic step-change is expected in 2020 and if a smooth transition is not ensured, the impact will be great. There will be an impact on trade, on economic growth and on the societies of both developed and developing countries worldwide.”
Dr Kostas G. Gkonis, Secretary General at Intercargo, says regulations are welcomed but these should be practically applied.
“It is said that the bulk ship is the workhorse of international trade. We should make sure we do not slay the horse though,” he notes.
“Regulation is welcome but should also be measured and wise. We see regulations being adopted whose implementation cannot be effective.
“Two examples are ballast water management, with experience building this year, and the bunkers’ sulphur cap, where important decisions are also to be taken this year.
“In both cases we have set a deadline without having yet the technologies in the first case or the fuel in the second case to meet the regulatory requirements.”
Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 8 March, 2018
Research consultancy publishes industry update commenting on the operation of liner services at lower speeds.
Issue relates to the marine fuel quality standard covering 0.50% sulphur limit fuel blends.
John LaRese, Marine Fuels Technical Advisor, ExxonMobil provides some pointers to Manifold Times readers.
Physical fuel suppliers need to fundamentally transform the traditional models of supply in order to survive.
Letter believed to in response to Trump administration allegedly planning to delay implementation date.
Annual production at Botlek site in Port of Rotterdam expected to cover 5-10% of Maersk’s annual fuel demand.
Top three positive movers in 2021 were Hong Lam Fuels Pte Ltd (+14); Sirius Marine Pte Ltd (+12); and TFG Marine (+11); according to the latest data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Webinar will offer delegates insights on the prevention of operational issues when using VLSFOs, along with an update on biofuels and bunker fuel quality trends for 2021 and its forecast for the current year.
Heating VLSFOs to prevent cold flow issues causes issues related to distillate ageing, and there is a gentle balance to be maintained when handling the product.
Research into n-paraffin distribution of VLSFOs has shown that they not only differ from MGO, but significantly differ from each other as well, states bulletin.
Bunker Holding and Dan-Bunkering have decided not to appeal the city court ruling in the case where the companies were on trial for breaching EU sanctions against Syria, states USTC.
Poll shows market participants think Singapore’s future as a bunkering hub in the near term will be impacted most by growth in alternative bunker fuels and intensifying competition from other ports in Asia.
