Industry Insight: Why Join IBIA? Jens Maul Jorgensen Gives a Shipowners View

by Jens Maul Jorgensen, Chairman, IBIA
Thursday September 11, 2014

Coming from the ship owners side I feel that we owners-operators have been unfairly treated by IMO. I also think more can be done with regard to greater transparency with fuel quality and information being made available on fuel switching and the new fuels and alternative options available. I am pleased to say that IBIA is at the forefront of these issues and being a member has been good value for money.

I recognise that IMO wants to improve the environment - but that is true for everybody. We all want to do something for the environment. But we also need to apply the process in a fair and equitable manner.

IBIA's voice at IMO has got stronger over the past few years and we have been engaging with all participants to try and establish greater transparency with fuel quality, this has not only been done in the international forum, but also on the ground with the major ports at the cutting edge of delivery.

IBIA has for many years worked with Singapore and other ports establishing standards and delivering a high level of accredited training. A number of IBIA members have also been at the forefront of the implementation of the Mass Flow Meter which offers to improve efficiency in both saving time and verifying quantity and consequently money.

IBIA's strength is that its members comprise every part of the fuel supply chain and therefore offer expertise to improve the quality standard that applies to shipowners, suppliers, brokers and traders you name it, throughout the bunkering supply chain.

However, there are still issues throughout this chain such as owners who don't follow their own P&I club recommendations on quality. IBIA has been hosting forums with ship owners and operators to provide practical advice. One such forum takes place on the 3rd of November in Hamburg in-conjunction with the German ship owners. For the topics that are covered please visit our website. There are still places left and with the experts speaking well worth the value to members.

Bunker Quality

Good quality fuel is out there, and IBIA retains a list of suppliers available to members. IBIA has also lobbied and was successful in having the "Fuel availability study" brought forward at IMO so that relevant information is available to make an informed decision in regard to the timing of the Global Sulphur cap.

IBIA has also been campaigning alongside the Shipping associations with regard to the standard of information on the Bunker Delivery note in order that all are clear about what they are ordering and what is being delivered. They are also working alongside BIMCO on the standard terms and conditions on contracts and updating the bunkering guide to good practice.

If all of that isn't value for money it is worth checking out IBIA's Rapid Resolution Scheme, there are two separate schemes:

1) Determinative Dispute Resolution - Arbitration, where a decision is made by the arbitrator on behalf of the parties; a conclusive result is an inevitable consequence of the process.

2) Consensual Dispute Resolution - Mediation, where the mediator guides and facilitates the parties towards a settlement agreement; a conclusive result is not inevitable but 70-80% of all commercial mediations lead to a binding settlement.

Both schemes are available as a means of resolving relatively straightforward bunker disputes quickly where no more than US$100,000 is in issue but this upper limit may be waived by agreement. All proceedings are private and confidential other than is necessary for enforcing an award or agreement.full details of The IBIA Rapid Resolution Scheme can be found at the link here.

IBIA also produces a magazine that is packed with the latest information regarding technological developments, expert advice and regional updates. Along with a range of benefits from access to experts throughout the marine fuel supply chain and a number of specific IBIA publications and guides to good practice along with individual expert publications.

For further information, and to join IBIA, click here to visit the IBIA website.

About Jens Maul Jorgensen

Jens will soon celebrate 24 years working in the shipping industry. He started back in August 1990 as a trainee with the shipbroker company Fisker&Bom.

In 1992 he joined Avedoere Shipping A/S, Copenhagen - where he worked in Agency, Chartering and Operations. In 1996 He joined the broker and trading company within the OWB group - MARAG A/S, Copenhagen..

The, in 2003, he "moved to the other side of the desk" and became the bunker Manager - Responsible for the entire Armada Group in Switzerland - Bunker and Risk management activities. After "four fantastic years" Jens took on a new challenge and he became the director for the bunker department, including risk management activities, at the German dry bulk owners and operator Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG. In 2007.

Today Jens leads a team of six purchasers and administrators and also 14 inspectors world wide and oversees the bunker of a fleet of about 550 vessel.

In addition Jens is an acknowledged speaker and has delivered speeches at all four SIBCONs held since 2006.

During his long carrier his have being joining sea laws courses and also attended several management leading courses in Denmark and Germany. He became an IBIA board member in 2010. Jens is married with two children.

About IBIA

IBIA

The International Bunker Industry Association exists to provide an international forum to address the concerns of all sectors of the international bunker industry.

The Association currently has over 450 organisations within its membership representing all within the marine fuel supply chain - "from the wellhead to the engine".

IBIA exists to represent the industry in discussions and negotiations with international and national policy makers, legislators and other stakeholders.

We review, clarify, improve, develop and endorse where appropriate, industry methods, practices and documentation.

Our objective is to increase the professional understanding and competence of all who work in the industry.

We represent the Marine fuels supply industry at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

IBIA actively seeks to involve its members through its technical work groups, regional forums and annual convention to conclude on major issues and topics of the time, creating the "IBIA Position" to present to IMO and to industry.

IBIA champions the continued development of professionals within the bunker industry through its training programmes and publications.

We provide services and facilities for members and stakeholders as the Board shall from time to time consider appropriate.

To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at editor@shipandbunker.com