Bunker industry ponders global sulphur cap

LOTS of interesting ideas came out of the 2015 International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Convention in Cancun, Mexico.

One particularly sensible proposal was mooted by IBIA vice chairman Robin Meech in his keynote speech. He stressed the need for a "a level playing field" once the global sulphur cap of 0.5 per cent comes into force in 2020 or 2025. He mooted that IBIA should propose at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that countries signatory to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships MARPOL Annexe VI should enforce a new regulation prohibiting vessels from having onboard fuel which they cannot burn in compliance with the convention.

Generally I am not an enthusiast for increased regulation but Mr Meech's suggestion is an elegant way to stop blatant breaches of the sulphur limit regulations. The issue of what will happen when the 0.5 per cent global limit comes into force is now exercising minds within the bunker industry.