Following a spate of fuel contamination reports across the world from Singapore to the US Gulf in recent months the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has called for a globally consistent fuel testing method and protocol.
In a release, IBIA stated: “There will be some who believe that this issue is best left to the likes of ISO, ASTM or CIMAC and/or the testing companies. However, IBIA will develop a proposal to form a Working Group with participation from all of the key parties involved in fuel oil testing in order to address the current issue and the potential solutions, including the development of a globally consistent method and protocol.”
IBIA stated that anecdotally it appeared that, to date, more than 100 vessels have been affected by fuel contamination issues.
IBIA has made a call for shipping lines to share their information on the issue to help find solutions.
“Presently, there is no consensus and not all stakeholders are willing to publicly share their findings and views. It’s a controversial topic and there is plenty of heated debate,” IBIA concluded.
