SUPPLY side stakeholders must be included in discussions about responding to IMO regulations on low sulphur fuel.
That was the view of Arun Sharma, executive chairman of Indian Register of Shipping, who spoke at a session in Mumbai entitled Fuel 2020 & GHG Emission.
“It is important that we include stakeholders from the supply side, such as fuel suppliers and equipment manufacturers, when debating how the industry should respond to the IMO sulphur limit,” Mr Sharma said.
“We are likely to see a shift in our energy future where LNG, fuel cells and methanol will take a more prominent role.”
IRClass joint managing director Vijay Arora spoke about rapid advancements in marine fuel technology and the need for short-term and long-term plans to implement the IMO greenhouse gas emissions strategy.
He also mentioned the industry today faces challenges which need to be deliberated by all stakeholders.
Guest-of-honour and former IMO Maritime Safety Committee director Captain Ashok Mahapatra highlighted the lack of clarity among ship owners, underwriters and charterers in dealing with noncompliant fuel post-sulphur limit.
The seminar featured presentations by experts from IRClass, Reliance Industries, Great Eastern Shipping, Cummins India and Indian Oil Corporation.
The seminar finished with a panel discussion, described as “lively”, on the disposal of noncompliant fuel, the availability of compliant fuel and the development of joint industrial guidelines for shipowners.
The panel agreed on the need for ongoing dialogue to pre-empt and address industry challenges.
