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
North Pacific Green Corridor Consortium forms new corridor
(Posted on 18/04/24)Global industry leaders from North America, Asia and Europe have announced the formation of the North... Read more
Tomini Dynasty Captain receives prestigious Gallantry Award
(Posted on 16/04/24)Tomini Group, a world-class dry bulk ship owner, has announced that Captain Om Dutta has been honoured... Read more
Singapore retains top spot as world’s leading maritime city
(Posted on 15/04/24)Singapore has retained its title as the leading maritime city in the world, followed by Rotterdam and... Read more
AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Stellamar
(Posted on 15/04/24)AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, the leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic... Read more
Maritime industry leaders to explore ammonia as marine fuel on US West Coast
(Posted on 29/03/24)American Bureau of Shipping, CALAMCO, Fleet Management Limited, Sumitomo Corporation and TOTE Services... Read more
MMS raises awareness over improper use of antibiotics on board vessels
(Posted on 29/03/24)Leading provider of medical support services for crews, Marine Medical Solutions (MMS), is concerned... Read more
ESL to sell Supramaxes
(Posted on 25/03/24)ESL Shipping, a leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, has signed a memorandum of... Read more
Sustainable fuels can reach cost parity with fossil fuels by 2035
(Posted on 25/03/24)New Wärtsilä analysis shows EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime will close price gap, creating policy... Read more
Swedish Club delivers firm foundation for future growth
(Posted on 25/03/24)The Swedish Club reported positive results for 2023, combined with an emphasis on supporting its members... Read more
DNV establishes Tanker and Bulker Expert Team in China
(Posted on 18/03/24)DNV has established a Tanker and Bulker Expert Team based in Shanghai. With strong global demand and... Read more