OceanConnect Marine conducted an IMO2020 Customer Workshop at Crowne Plaza hotel in London.

The event was kicked off by Mr Kumar Balian, Global Director (Sales & Technical Services) of OceanConnect Marine. He explained the forthcoming changes in the IMO 2020 regulation and compared various compliance methods. He then highlighted bunker fuel availability, pricing, issues with bleeding and issues envisaged from commercial, operational and legal perspectives. He concluded with a port wide comparison of global product availability.

The next speaker was Unni Einemo, the IMO Representative, Media & Communications Manager of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA). She explained IMO’s and IBIA’s efforts to ensure consistent implementation of the 0.50% Sulphur limit globally. Her talk included detailed background information to key changes in the MARPOL Annex VI regulations, followed by practical insights into compliance for shipowners, compliance by suppliers, handling disputes, and unsolved issues.

The final speaker was Capt Amarinder Singh Brar from LOC who talked on Sulphur 2020 enforcement by Port State Control. He detailed the convention implementation procedure, the various control measures and enforcement provisions. The talk was interspaced with specific examples based on his previous experience as a Nautical Surveyor and LOC’s capabilities available in this topic.

The event concluded with a Q&A session to the panel by the attendees who represented bunker suppliers, fuel traders, ship owners, ship operators, oil majors, asset managers and the international bunker industry association.