Bühler GmbHTBA GroupSailors SocietyTMS Awards 2023Port of StocktonTelestack
  • Van Aalst
  • Telestack
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Cimbria
  • Vigan
  • Geneva Dry

INTERCARGO raises Safety concerns

(Posted on 31/07/19)

With 1 January 2020 just five months away, INTERCARGO expresses its growing concern in view of

the magnitude of the challenge lying ahead for the industry and the need for a smooth transition.

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is representing the interests of quality dry cargo

shipowners, with 2,200 registered ships out of 11,000 ships in the global dry bulk fleet, corresponding to 25% of the global dry bulk fleet basis

The global availability of safe compliant fuels remains a key question largely unanswered. The requirement for the

sulphur content of fuel oil used by ships operating outside designated emission control areas not to exceed 0.50% as

of 1 January 2020 marks a sea change in the marine fuels’ supply chain.

It is extremely worrying that compliant fuels have so far been made available only in a limited number of ports and

under unfavourable terms for voluntary early testing by ships, as Charterers/Operators are not currently obliged to

purchase future compliant fuel. Hence, the practical testing of new fuels and crew training, which is only possible

under real conditions aboard ships, is very limited and pushed to the end of year – this situation creates significant

safety implications for the operation of ships, which could eventually threaten the safety of seafarers, ships, and

cargoes, as well as the marine environment.

In anticipation of the new fuels made available for practical testing aboard ships well before the end of 2019, it is

urged that:

? the fuel supply industry provides the market with significant volumes of compliant fuels at many ports

around the world, so that all sectors can be serviced, including the dry bulk sector

? the Charterers/Operators start purchasing these fuels

? the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) related to the 0.50% limit is made available as soon as possible to

provide guidance on the application of the existing ISO 8217 specification for marine fuels

? the ship Owners/Operators enhance crew training. Seafarers deserve our special consideration, as the

industry will largely rely on their skills for managing the new compliant fuels aboard ships on the high seas to

ensure a smooth implementation of this drastic change.

Latest News

Industry statement on recent Red Sea attacks on shipping

(Posted on 09/07/25)

ICS, BIMCO, European Shipowners | ECSA, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO have released a joint industry statement... Read more


NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers establishes new JV with DP World

(Posted on 08/07/25)

NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers Limited, a joint venture between Algoma Central Corporation and Nova Marine... Read more


Julia Ju appointed The Swedish Club’s new Chief Executive in Hong Kong

(Posted on 08/07/25)

The Swedish Club has announced the appointment of Julia Ju as the new Chief Executive and Area Manager... Read more


INTERCARGO condemns attack on bulk carrier Magic Seas

(Posted on 07/07/25)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has condemned the recent armed attack... Read more


NORDEN sells two additional vessels

(Posted on 02/07/25)

NORDEN has announced that they have sold two additional vessels, one Supramax bulk carrier and one MR... Read more


Columbia Group backs Turkey as global shipping leader

(Posted on 02/07/25)

Columbia Group CEO, Mark O’Neil, has paid tribute to Turkey’s ‘resilient and innovative... Read more


Pacific Basin signs MOU to enhance access to green fuels

(Posted on 27/06/25)

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has signed... Read more


Major milestone for nuclear-powered ships as IMO agrees outdated regulations revision

(Posted on 27/06/25)

The IMO has formally agreed to start the revision of outdated regulations for nuclear-powered ships.... Read more


Unique Snapshot highlights true state of bullying and harassment

(Posted on 25/06/25)

In advance of the IMO Day of the Seafarer’s focus on ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’, Sailors... Read more


Seafarers must not be made scapegoats, says InterManager

(Posted on 25/06/25)

The threat of prosecution from a criminal investigation should never be held against an individual seafarer... Read more


ViganGeneva DryVan AalstCimbriaPort of South Louisiana
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Port of Stockton
  • TBA Group

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping