To what extent has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the financial health of bunker suppliers and buyers and, consequently, counterparty risk and credit lines? We discussed these questions with IBIA members in late April and there is no doubt that these concerns weigh heavily on their minds. Unexpected bunker price volatility… …more…
Mixed views on COVID-19 impact on bunker demand
Is bunker demand falling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic? The answer to that question depends, to some extent, on who you ask and will vary between regions, ports, shipping sectors and bunker suppliers. Some ports and supply companies have recorded an uptick in bunker demand during the first… …more…
COVID-19: The human element
Measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has caused distressing problems for seafarers as crew changes have become fraught with difficulty and huge delays, essentially trapping crew onboard beyond the end of their contracted periods. The same has been happening to crew on bunker barges in some ports. This upsetting… …more…
Sampling and volume measurements during COVID-19 restrictions
How do you manage witnessing of tank sounding, sampling and exchange of appropriately labelled sample bottles when the receiving ship and barge crew are not allowed to move between the two? Are you still able to use surveyors? These have become acute issues due to precautions to prevent the spread… …more…
Time ripe for electronic BDNs and other digital bunkering documentation
Social distancing precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has boosted interest in fully electronic means of providing bunker delivery notes (BDNs), including counter-signatures. Fully electronic BDN solutions have already been developed by some IBIA members, but have so far failed to gain much traction. Part of the reason has… …more…
Unintended consequences
Less than a month into 2020, VLSFO came under attack by environmental groups. In this feature article for the first 2020 issue of World Bunkering, IBIA’s Director Unni Einemo examines potential undesirable side-effects of the 0.50% sulphur limit. Few involved in the bunker and shipping industries will have failed to… …more…
How to avoid IMO 2020 fuel problems
The implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit has gone smoother than many had anticipated, but stakeholders need to remain alert and follow best practices to minimise operational problems and safety issues. There are excellent tools available to help the industry, including the ‘Joint Industry Guidance on the supply and use… …more…
5-year anniversary for methanol-fuelled ferry as IMO guidelines are ready for approval
Stena Germanica, the first ship in the world to run on methanol as a marine fuel, has recorded five years of successful operation since this large ro-ro ferry was converted to be capable of running on the alternative clean-burning fuel. The 240-metre long ferry, with a capacity for 1500 passengers… …more…
Mauritius becomes MARPOL Annex VI signatory
Mauritius has become the latest IMO member state to sign up to MARPOL Annex VI. The Indian Ocean island nation’s accession to the air pollution prevention regulation was formalised on 23 March, and it will enter into force for Mauritius on 23 June 2020. The IMO says there are now… …more…
‘Pragmatic approach’ by port State inspection authorities during COVID-19 pandemic
Port State control (PSC) regimes have advised that inspection practices have been adjusted in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Physical on-board ship inspections have been reduced considerably to protect both port State control officers (PSCOs) and seafarers, but the PSC regimes have said they continue to work to target high-risk… …more…
