Rivertrace Engineering managing director, Mike Coomber warns that vessels without up-to-date type-approved equipment might not make it on to charterers’ shortlists because they will no longer be eligible to carry biofuel cargoes.
The regulations, embodied in IMO Resolution MEPC.108(49) as amended by MEPC.240(65), require shipboard oil discharge systems to be capable of monitoring biofuels and blends of biofuel and oil product cargoes. They come into effect on 1 January 2016.
“In a spot survey of tanker owners which we carried out recently, we found that most were not aware of the new regulations,” claims Coomber. “They are sleep-walking into a situation in which the employment opportunities for their ships will become seriously jeopardised.”
The regulations are complicated but boil down to the fact that from next January, biofuels will be subject to the same discharge rules as oil cargoes derived from fossil fuels.
“It is usually a relatively simple matter to upgrade equipment on board, but it will require careful planning, individual analysis of what is required by way of hardware. Time is running out for many operators,” added Coomber.
