Shippers' forum adds fuel to the ire

WE are now just over a week past what has been the biggest change in ships' operating practices since the introduction of steam power. Unless subject to the even stricter standards enforced in International Maritime Organization (IMO) designated Emission Control Areas (ECA), all ships must now use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.50 per cent or comply with the new IMO regulation by using exhaust gas scrubbers.

The Global Shippers Forum (GSF) has issued what it describes as "helpful advice for importers and exporters facing demands for surcharges from shipping lines seeking to cover their costs of compliance".

GSF's "Top Ten Tips for Sulphur-Surcharged Shippers" encourages shippers to challenge the basis of any surcharges "to make sure they understand exactly what they are being asked to pay extra for, and whether it can be properly explained and justified by carriers".