The International Bunker Industry Association has reported a number of significant, positive developments for the bunker industry following the meeting in London of the IMO Bulk Liquids and Gases subcommittee.
Firstly, the subcommittee agreed to streamline proposals designed to reduce sulphur emissions from marine fuel oil. Three options now remain on the table, for discussion at MEPC 57 starting on March 31, 2008. These include a proposal lowering the global cap in two stages and removing the need for Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs), a lowering of sulphur limits in SECAs, and a lowering of the global sulphur limit alongside tighter SECA regimes and the possibility of even stricter so-called 'micro-emissions control areas' close to designated sensitive coastal areas. IBIA secretary-general Ian Adams says, 'IBIA took a full and active part in the BLG discussions. It remains committed to its position that all options, which have the potential to limit harmful emissions from shipping, must be examined and debated before a final decision is made. On another subject, the BLG meeting also agreed that bunker vessels should be excluded from the debate about whether or not to impose more stringent controls and reporting procedures on ship-to-ship transfers of oil. IBIA was one of four delegations asked to participate in discussions over the precision of testing methods used to determine sulphur content in marine fuel oils, and the so-called 'grey area' surrounding test results.
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