THE International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), a consultant for the UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO), has called on marine fuel suppliers to accept greater regulation and to adopt the ISO 2010 specifications for bunker fuels.
It has recommended data collection from bunker suppliers; a process for authorities and inspectors to report non-compliance with Annex VI; regulations to minimise the risk of non-compliant fuels arising from fuel blending activity.
The IBIA represents "shipowners, charterers, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, barging companies, storage companies, surveyors, port authorities, credit reporting companies, lawyers, P&I clubs, equipment manufacturers, shipping journalists and marine consultants".
"Despite having been introduced four years ago to improve bunker standards, only a quarter of bunker suppliers are supplying in accordance with the 2010 specifications." said the IBIA press release.
Speaking to 1,127 delegates at the group's annual IBIA dinner in London, IBIA vice chairman Jens Maul Jorgensen said: "ISO specs were agreed four years ago. Yet only 25 per cent of suppliers are supplying in accordance with these specs. Something is wrong."
IBIA is working to address the problem and has submitted a paper to the UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) calling for clarity and transparency in the marine fuel supply chain.
It also seeks enforcement to ensure ship operators can have a greater degree of confidence in suppliers and the collection of data from fuel suppliers, fuel testing companies and shipping companies to identify the root cause of fuel quality problems.
IBIA chief executive Peter Hall said that IBIA would be engaging with shipowners directly at a series of forums around the world held in conjunction with other shipping organisations and associations.
The meetings will disseminate practical advice about fuel quality standards and avoiding problems. The first of these forums takes place March 10 at the International Parcel Tanker Association/Navigate Chemical & Product Tanker conference in London.
WORLD SHIPPING
21 February 2014 - 23:51
World bunker association urges greater regulation on fuel suppliers
THE International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), a consultant for the UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO), has called on marine fuel suppliers to accept greater regulation and to adopt the ISO 2010 specifications for bunker fuels.
WORLD SHIPPING
21 February 2014 - 23:51
World bunker association urges greater regulation on fuel suppliers
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