IBIA rolls out next stage of global port charter

Peter Hall, IBIA chief executive and members of the IBIA board, met with top executives from six of the world’s larger ports on 11 February 2016, to discuss closer working and the development common practices, as the next step for IBIA’s Port Charter.

The Charter was launched in 2014 with the support of Rotterdam, Singapore and Gibraltar ports, with the signatories required to demonstrate that they have a licensing scheme for bunker suppliers in their port.  The port authorities must also be able to set and enforce regulations covering bunkering operations, have sufficient numbers of qualified personnel working in the bunker supply chain and be able to demonstrate that they have effective testing regimes in place.

The latest Port Charter meeting included senior representatives from the Port of Singapore, the Port of Gibraltar, the Port of Rotterdam, Malta/IHMA, the Port of Algeciras, the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and a representative covering West African ports.

The productive discussions covered a wide range of topics including; electronic delivery notes, LNG bunkering in developing ports, sharing information and ensuring accuracy for cargo volumes, issues surrounding fuel quality, the harmonisation of standards, managing and operating different port models and ports administration.

However, the main discussion focused on the bringing all of the land based authorities involved in bunkering operations together to creating a consistent and uniform port/ship interface.  IBIA is keen push this forward with the development of best practice port/bunkering guidance and industry standards – along the lines of the OCIMF standards for terminals MTIS (marine terminal information system).

Peter Hall has more than 40 years of experience in the marine industry and is leading the Port Charter global roll out.  He has managed both oil and gas terminals, served as harbour master of Europe’s fastest growing port and served as a CEO of Gibraltar port, the largest bunker port in the Mediterranean. 

The next Ports Charter meeting will be held at SIBCON in October, 2016.