THE UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has relented to allow a discussion group before fixing details of bunker supply rightS and responsibilities in supplying costly low sulphur fuel.
"The compromise solution on ensuring bunker quality agreed at IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has been welcomed by the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA)," said the group's communique.
THE IBIA submission on sulphur compliance problems and quality control called for practical measures from the IMO - including a licensing scheme and for Bunker Delivery Notes (BDN).
While nothing was conceded on those points, IMO committee agreed to establish a "correspondence group" on the adequacy of the current legal framework.
"This has been a step forward," said IBIA chief executive Peter Hall. "Previous meetings would not entertain a correspondence group."
At issue is the the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN), provided by the seller, stating the grade with the nominated quantity, which offers no protection if a ship runs afoul of state inspectors.
Culpability - seller or buyer - for failure to have low enough sulphur content in fuel at state inspections is the issue when the buyer-shipowner faces heavy fines and vessel detention and the faraway seller only faces a distant civil suit.
Blame transferal systems are well oiled when the low-sulphur fuel is produced by blending one fuel with another in various ways and in various degrees by fuel suppliers.
Said Mr Hall: "The ultimate safety risk to vessels using fuel 'not fit for purpose' is unacceptable. It is ultimately down to bunker suppliers to provide compliant fuels."
He agrees buyers have a responsibility too, to specify the quality they require and be willing to pay for it.
"We believe that the authorities must provide sanctions on continuously underperforming suppliers. Without this, the current disquiet in the industry will continue," said Mr Hall.
The IBIA exists to provide an international forum to address the concerns of all sectors of the international bunker industry.
The association has 650 organisations within its membership representing all within the marine fuel supply chain - "from the wellhead to the engine".
IMO&EU NEWS
27 October 2014 - 22:31
IMO relents, allows discussion group on low-sulphur bunker liability
THE UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has relented to allow a discussion group before fixing details of bunker supply rights and responsibilities in supplying costly low sulphur fuel.
IMO&EU NEWS
27 October 2014 - 22:31
IMO relents, allows discussion group on low-sulphur bunker liability
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