IBIA welcomes MARPOL Annex VI compromise

IBIA says its submissions addressing sulphur compliance issues and quality control called for a series of practical measures including a licensing scheme and for the bunker delivery note (BDN) to include information on the fuel specifications. Although these proposals were not implemented, MEPC 67 did agree to establish a correspondence group to develop draft guidance for assuring the quality of fuel oil delivered for use on board ships, and to consider the adequacy of the current legal framework in MARPOL Annex VI for assuring bunker quality.

IBIA chief executive Peter Hall said: “This has been a step forward by IMO. Previous MEPC meetings would not entertain a correspondence group, but taken together with a commitment to improve MARPOL regulations, we believe that the measures will improve the situation. The ultimate safety risk to vessels using fuel ‘not fit for purpose’ is simply unacceptable in this modern day. Any improvements that can be made to the fuel supply chain are welcomed, and it is ultimately down to bunker suppliers to provide compliant fuels. However, buyers have a responsibility to specify the quality they require and be willing to pay for it. We believe that the authorities must provide sanctions on continuously underperforming suppliers. Without this, the current disquiet in the industry will continue.”