The International Bunker Industry Association's (IBIA) board has taken a formal decision to “become more closely engaged in LNG matters”. The move was announced at last week's IBIA's Annual Convention, held in Barcelona, by its acting chief executive Trevor Harrison. He told delegates that the association would become more involved in the ongoing discussions on LNG as a fuel at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The potential of LNG as a fuel for merchant ships received considerable attention. Several speakers referred to the issue while addressing industry concerns about the 2015 implementation of the 0.1% sulphur content cap in bunkers used within Emission Control Areas (ECAs). In addition one session was entirely devoted to the prospects for widespread use of LNG.
While there were some cautionary voices, the focus on LNG reflected IBIA's considered view that now is the time for the bunker industry to become involved in the development of gas powered ships. IBIA board member Nigel Draffin is to work closely with the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) to provide input into the development of IMO's Code for Gas as Ship Fuel (IGF-Code).
The IBIA Annual Convention 2011 at Barcelona's Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I did however cover many other topics of concern to both bunker suppliers and buyers. A record breaking 170 delegates registered this year to take part in a packed programme spread out over three days. IBIA Chairman Bob Lintott remarked: “This has been a highly successful convention. I am especially pleased that there has been lively debate from the first to the last sessions.”
While the debates were good natured, several of the issues covered were controversial, right from the keynote speeches which put forward opposing views on the impact of the 2015 ECA regime. Manuel Carlier, director general of the Spanish Shipowners’ Association (ANAVE), and a director of the European Community Shipowners' Association (ECSA), expressed owners' concerns. Arnaud Leroy, Senior Project Officer, European Maritime Safety Agency, and working with the European Commission (ECs) on the Marine Fuels, countered with the case for continuing with its proposals which in some respects exceed IMO ECA requirements.
Mr Carlier said that it was likely that bunker costs for ship operators would increase by between 70% and 100% while operating in ECAs and that there would be a total increase in operating costs 25% to 40%. He asked: “Can this cost be passed to customers in the freight market?” Mr Leroy emphasised the need to enforce regulations and also pointed to claimed environmental and health benefits of imposing stricter sulphur limits. He also noted uncertainties surrounding the impact of the 0.1% sulphur cap. He was particularly doubtful about predictions of a modal shift away from shipping.