Business

MSC endorses IBIA proposal to clarify new flashpoint regulation

IBIA’s paper provides a UI to help clarify meaning of SOLAS amendment that was adopted at MSC 106 regarding supplier’s declaration of flashpoint prior to delivery, and on bunker delivery note.

Published

4 months ago

June 21, 2023

Admin

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Tuesday (13 June) released an article on its proposal to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) for a unified interpretation (UI) of new regulatory text about documentation of flashpoint in SOLAS chapter II-2 which it could clear up any possible misunderstandings on the SOLAS Amendment that was adopted at MSC 106:

IBIA’s proposal for a unified interpretation (UI) of new regulatory text about documentation of flashpoint in SOLAS chapter II-2 received overwhelming support at the 107th session of the IMO’s Martine Safety Committee (MSC 107).

Our paper, MSC 107/6/2, provided a UI to help clarify the meaning of the SOLAS amendment that was adopted at MSC 106 regarding the supplier’s declaration of flashpoint prior to delivery, and on the bunker delivery note (BDN). This SOLAS amendment is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026.

We also suggested that MSC should invite the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to adopt a corresponding UI for a corresponding new requirement under appendix V of MARPOL Annex VI, which is due to enter into force on 1 May 2024.

Introducing the paper at MSC 107, IBIA Director and IMO Representative Unni Einemo said: “During deliberations at the Drafting Group at MSC 106 prior to adoption of the amendments, and subsequently in interactions with industry participants, it has become evident that while this is perfectly clear and logical to those who have participated in developing the regulatory text, it is not equally clear to relevant stakeholders who are not familiar with the thinking behind it; including port State control officers, ship engineers and oil fuel suppliers. 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. We have therefore proposed a UI to help provide clarity.”

MSC 107 noted overwhelming support for the UI proposed by IBIA in document MSC 107/6/2 and that concurrent action should be recommended to MEPC. However, one delegation raised concerns, meaning the UI could not be approved as a UI can only be approved if there are no objections at all.

Given the strong support in plenary, however, MSC 107 sent IBIA’s proposal to the Working Group (WG) on Fuel Oil Safety established at MSC 107 to further consider the document and advise the Committee how best to proceed.

The new Regulation 4.6 of SOLAS chapter II-2 says that “ships carrying oil fuel shall prior to bunkering be provided with a declaration signed and certified by the oil fuel supplier’s representative, that the oil fuel to be supplied is in conformity with paragraph 2.1 of this regulation, and the test method used for determining the flashpoint. A bunker delivery note for the oil fuel delivered to the ship shall contain either the flashpoint specified in accordance with standards acceptable to the Organization, or a statement that the flashpoint has been measured at or above 70ºC;”

IBIA proposed the following Unified Interpretation:

The test method will provide a specified temperature when an ignition source produces a “flash” in the sample. If this flash occurs when the sample has been heated to a temperature below 70°C, this temperature should be reported on the bunker delivery note. If, however, the sample is heated to 70°C and then tested without producing a flash, there will not be an actual measured flashpoint temperature to report, but this is sufficient to establish that the flashpoint is above the 60°C minimum and thus allow for a statement to be made that the flashpoint has been measured at or above 70°C. If heating and testing of the sample has been carried out beyond 70°C and produced a flash, there will be a specific temperature that can be reported, but it should be understood that undertaking or continuing the test beyond 70°C is not required.

One delegation expressed a concern specifically about the part reading: “but it should be understood that undertaking or continuing the test beyond 70°C is not required.” This delegation seemed to think that this would materially change the regulation. During discussions in the WG it became clear, however, that their objection related to the regulation itself, as the delegation was of the opinion that the regulation should require the BDN to state the actual flashpoint of fuels delivered to a ship, even when that temperature is above 70°C.

Nevertheless, in order to reach agreement, the WG agreed to delete that part of the sentence. After removing that part of the text, MSC 107 endorsed the remaining text as a “mutual understanding” subject to the entry into force of SOLAS regulation II-2/4.2.1.6, and invited the MEPC to note the decision and take action as appropriate.

IBIA understands that MEPC 81, which is scheduled to take place in late April next year, will be invited to consider the text endorsed by MSC 107.

MEPC 81 is scheduled to take place just prior to the entry into force of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI regarding flashpoint documentation on the BDN.

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 21 June, 2023

Events

Singapore: PS Energy Group unveils new brand identity and moves to a new office

The group including its inland and marine bunkering units PS Energy Pte Ltd and CNC Petroleum Pte Ltd has underwent rebranding and moved to JTC Summit.

Published

4 hours ago

October 4, 2023

Admin

Last mile fuel distribution company PS Energy Group, including its inland and coastal and marine bunkering units, PS Energy Pte Ltd and CNC Petroleum Pte Ltd, has introduced a fresh brand identity learns Manifold Times.

The firm has unveiled its new company logos and branding that reflects its remarkable transformation as a company.

“Over the past few months, we have been working hard to create a new visual identity that truly captures the essence of who we are as a company which we hope will resonate, inspire trust, and build meaningful connections with our customers,” Sean Chua, Managing Director told Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times.

“Our new logo embodies the core values and aspirations that have guided us throughout our journey, while incorporating elements that represent our vision and direction for the future. With its circular shape, the new logo depicts an entity in motion and embodies PS Energy Group’s agility, focus on innovation, and accessibility.”

The firm’s updated branding encompasses a comprehensive visual identity system that is now being integrated across all its assets and communication channels, including its inland and marine fleet, website, and social media platforms.

Besides the new brand identity, the Group has recently moved to a new and improved office space at the JTC Summit in Singapore. The firm said its team spent considerable time and effort in searching for the perfect location that aligned with its vision and values of providing the best service possible to its clients.

“The move represents a significant milestone in our company's journey and marks a new chapter of growth and opportunity. Our new office brings a host of exciting features and amenities that will undoubtedly elevate the overall experience for everyone involved,” according to Sean.

“From spacious workstations and ergonomic furniture to cutting-edge technology and collaborative spaces, we have designed the new office with both functionality and comfort in mind. We believe that this new workspace will foster even greater creativity, productivity, and collaboration among our team members, enabling us to deliver exceptional results and exceed the expectations of our clients.”

PS Energy Group’s new address is as follows:

8 Jurong Town Hall Road
#24-01 The JTC Summit
Singapore 609434

Photo credit: PS Energy Group
Published: 4 October, 2023

Business

Malaysia: Straits Energy proposes to list oil bunkering and shipping segment on Nasdaq

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the firm announced its intention to spin-off its oil bunkering and shipping related services segment for listing on NASDAQ stock exchange via a public offering.

Published

5 hours ago

October 4, 2023

Admin

Malaysia-listed Straits Energy Resources Berhad on Monday (2 October) announced the company’s intention to spin-off its oil bunkering and shipping related services segment for listing on NASDAQ stock exchange in the United States by way of a registered public offering.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the firm said it intends to undertake a reorganisation of some of its subsidiaries involved in the oil bunkering and shipping related services segment, for the purpose of forming a separate listing group or Spin-Off Group suitable for the listing on NASDAQ.

“It is envisaged that these subsidiaries to be comprised in the Spin-off Group will continue to remain as

subsidiaries of Straits upon the completion of the Proposed Listing,” the company said.

Straits Energy added it will make a detailed announcement in relation to the proposed listing in due course, once the board of directors has finalised and approved the terms and structure of the exercise.

It said the listing would enable the Spin-Off Group to gain recognition and corporate stature through the listing status of its own on NASDAQ.

The company added the listing would further enhance its corporate reputation and profile which will be conducive in expanding its customer base whilst allowing the Spin-Off Group to expand and establish its global presence.

The proposed listing would also enable the Spin-Off Group to gain access to the capital market in the United States for capital raising and to provide the Spin-Off Group with financial flexibility for future expansion and growth.

It will also unlock shareholders' value in the oil bunkering and shipping related services and provide transparent valuation benchmark for the same on NASDAQ, it added.

Manifold Times previously reported marine fuel logistics firm CBL International Limited (CBL International), an ultimate holding company of Banle International Group Ltd (BVI), a 38%-associate company of Straits Energy Resources Bhd announced it would be listed on Nasdaq.

Later, Manifold Times did an exclusive interview with Banle Group who shared insights on the successful listing of CBL International Limited, its listing vehicle, on the Nasdaq Capital Market

Photo credit: Straits Energy Resources Berhad
Published: 4 October, 2023

Employment

VPS announces new appointments for key positions

Andrew Morton has been appointed to the role of Managing Director AMEA while Captain Rahul Choudhuri has been appointed to the newly created role of President Strategic Partnerships.

Published

5 hours ago

October 4, 2023

Admin

VPS announces new appointments for key positions

Marine fuels testing company VPS on Tuesday (3 October) announced the appointment of Andrew Morton to the role of Managing Director AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa).

In this role, Andrew will apply his experience and knowledge to lead the delivery of VPS services to these important and growing regions. He joins VPS having spent the last 17 years working in the oil and gas industry, most recently with TotalEnergies in various positions and countries.

These included technical, commercial, management, mergers and acquisitions and most recently the New Energies space, including renewable energy, biogas and fuels, hydrogen and LNG. He has a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry and started his career in research and development in the lubricants industry for Fuchs.

Dr. Malcolm Cooper, VPS CEO, stated “We are delighted to welcome Andrew on board as our MD AMEA. His background and experience will be helpful in supporting our customers in these important Regions, particularly in the rapidly developing decarbonisation space.”

Andrew Morton, said: “I am delighted to join VPS and the team and take over the role of Managing Director - Asia, Middle East and Africa. It is a privilege to join the global market leader and to manage a zone where the maritime industry is growing. I look forward to working with the various companies and associations across the industry to help them with their decarbonisation journey.”

VPS also announced that Captain Rahul Choudhuri has been appointed to the newly created role of President Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Rahul will use his network to enhance and further develop relationships with customers and operators from across the shipping ecosystem to help VPS support their decarbonisation journey.

Dr. Malcolm Cooper, VPS CEO, stated “Captain Rahul is well-known across the Maritime sector and he has been the figurehead for VPS Asia and the Middle East for many years. He has been instrumental in many developments within VPS and across the shipping industry, making significant contributions to developments through a wide range of Committees and organisations.”

“His new role will enable him to focus more on our external relationships, which are of growing importance as we aim to support the shipping sector on it’s decarbonisation journey. We in VPS are very proud of Rahul’s achievements to date and we know there will be more to come.”

Rahul, said: “I am looking forward to this new opportunity. This role will allow me to use my experience and close relationships to strengthen, build and develop the industry partnerships needed to deliver new decarbonisation solutions offered by VPS. My work with industry associations allows a greater professional engagement with stakeholders to take the industry forward in challenging times”.

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 4 October, 2023