IBIA Launches Port Charter for Better Quality Bunkers

Jørgensen said the move is key to a robust supply chain

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) yesterday launched at its convention in Hamburg a new scheme, the IBIA Port Charter, aimed at improving bunker quality.

Under the Charter, signatory ports will be required to show that they operate a licensing scheme for bunker suppliers, can enforce regulations covering bunkering operations, have a testing regime in place, and have appropriately qualified professionals involved in the supply chain.

IBIA Chairman Jens Maul Jørgensen said the move, designed to ensure quality, quantity, and transparency, is more relevant than ever as a proliferation of new fuel offerings emerge to meet the needs of lower sulfur requirements.

"IBIA believes that partnerships with ports to deliver "Quality, Quantity and Transparency" are a key element in delivering a robust fuel supply chain," said Jorgensen.

"As changes occur going forward with new fuels and variants designed to meet compliance, we need now more than ever to be vigilant in ensuring quality is maintained.

"It would be a great day for maritime commerce and the bunker industry if the perception that the quality of bunkers was habitually "poor" or "bad" was consigned to history."

Rotterdam, Gibraltar and Singapore are said already to be supporters of the plans, with Rotterdam Director Roland van Assche labelling the Charter "a timely move."

Calls by the IBIA at the recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Environment Protection Committee meeting for a licensing scheme met with some resistance but the IBIA said it was pleased that a compromise had been reached.