Business Times 16 Oct 08;
And shipping firms pitch in to protect the environment, says VINCENT WEE
IF THE image of shipping has often suffered from a less than environment- friendly image, that of the bunker industry has been at least as bad, if not worse. But the fact remains that while global transportation contributes some 13 per cent of total carbon dioxide emissions, shipping accounts for just 3 per cent of the total emissions, noted DNV Petroleum Services managing director Tore Morten Wetterhus.
'On the other hand, shipping has hitherto been among the least environmentally regulated industries (and) it now faces pressure to demonstrate sustainable practices and is a key target for legislation,' he added.
As the regulatory body in charge of both a major shipping hub and bunker port, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) makes committed efforts to protect the environment. Last year, bunker sales in the Port of Singapore hit 31.5 million tonnes, surpassing the previous year's figure by 11.2 per cent.
Despite the high volume of bunker and shipping traffic that passes through the port, Singapore has implemented various measures to encourage environment-friendly shipping. Among them is the extension of the port dues waiver for new double- hulled bunker tankers operating within its waters from April 1.
The port dues surcharge for older single-hulled bunker tankers will also be increased from next year.
Both measures are in support of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) regulations to phase out single-hulled tankers from international operations by 2015 or when a vessel is 25 years old, whichever is earlier.
Singapore is also a party to all the annexes of MARPOL, which is the IMO's convention for the prevention of pollution from ships. As a flag state and port state authority, Singapore carries out regular inspections to ensure that Singapore-flagged ships around the world and ships calling at our port comply with MARPOL regulations. MPA also regularly communicates with the shipping community to prevent any excessive emission of soot, ash or black smoke while their ships are in port.
MPA also tries to reduce pollution from port activities by conducting environmental impact assessment studies before activities such as dredging and reclamation are carried out, so that the potential impact arising from these works is identified and quantified.
All vessels transporting dangerous cargoes and calling at the port are also required to declare their arrival at least 24 hours before arrival. This helps to ensure an effective response should there be an incident involving spillage from the ships.
Other steps MPA has taken include starting and supporting tertiary research initiatives, such as on clean technologies and fuels to reduce atmospheric pollution.
But apart from this, the marine fuel industry can also play its part in the global response to climate change by engaging in research and development projects to reduce atmospheric pollution as well as tackle other environmental issues.
The ongoing 15th Singapore International Bunkering Conference brings together experts and industry players to discuss the challenges facing the marine and fuel industries, and how the industry has been responding to these challenges.
'In terms of ship operations, DNV Petroleum Services is among the key players advocating a paradigm shift in managing marine fuels with a holistic approach. This is in line with the need to consider more environmentally responsible practices and also the current high fuel prices,' said Mr Wetterhus.
'Shipping companies now have to look at all fuel-related aspects of ship operations - both onshore and offshore - to identify and leverage cost-saving opportunities. This could mean evaluating alternatives in voyage planning, maintenance and repairs, energy recovery among onboard fuel consumers, slow-steaming and many other areas to arrive at the most optimal fuel management decisions,' he noted.
Another measure MPA has taken to improve the environment of the port is the implementation of the SS 600 standard for bunkering. This will enhance the procedures and requirements for the delivery of bunkers by bunker tankers to vessels as well as the work of bunker surveyors.
Spring Singapore and MPA launched the new standard yesterday. Said Spring Singapore chief executive Png Cheong Boon: 'The successful development of SS 600 as a quality standard for the bunkering industry has enhanced our companies' capabilities and increased their competitiveness internationally.
'We are pleased that this standard will also be used as a benchmark for the development of an ISO standard for bunkering, as this is a strong recognition of Singapore's position as a top bunkering port and our companies' leadership in this industry.'
Mr Wetterhus concluded: 'Environmental protection is ultimately a collective effort, and the results of individual shipping companies should not be offset by less environmentally responsible elements from the same industry, or from other arenas. Buy-in, understanding and commitment are the key ingredients for success, particularly since the outcomes are future-oriented and we do not necessarily see results in the short and medium terms.'
