ECA Enforcement Alliance Adds More Members

Trident now represents 7 percent of global bunker consumption

The Trident Alliance coalition of shipowners and operators has announced the acceptance of five new members, bringing its membership to 17 so far.

The new members include Scorpio, Flinter, Solvang, Nordic Tankers, and Ardmore Shipping Corp., which the Trident Alliance says now represents companies accounting for 7 percent of global bunker consumption.

"Several more companies are in the process of joining, and will be announced as their Statements of Commitment are filed," said Trident Alliance, adding "membership will remain open to all shipping companies that wish to join."

Trident Alliance was founded in July with a view to encouraging a level playing field for shipping companies as new sulfur rules hit the industry.

The coalition also said it met recently to discuss possible technology solutions to be used by enforcement bodies, such as handheld sulphur content instruments for physical inspections, satellite controlled drones fitted with compliance measuring sensors and automated reporting of fuel line temperature to indicate the fuel type being burnt.  

"The Trident Alliance has been contacted by several organisations and entrepreneurs, and members have taken initiatives to explore a range of different paths for facilitating measurement of sulphur emissions," said Roger Strevens, Chairman of Trident Alliance.

"It's early days, and the outcomes are not certain, but these are important steps to support technology development," he added.

Earlier this month, Trident Alliance member Unifeeder said it would introduce a fuel surcharge in response to ECA rules in 2015.