FINANCIAL ISSUES
In the context of lower oil prices and rock bottom interest rates, futures markets are currently pricing hedges at a decade low. Chris Thorpe looks at the factors to be considered when contemplating a hedging strategy.
CREDIT ISSUES
With the floor collapsing under the dry bulk shipping and offshore oil and gas sectors, market conditions are getting tougher. Bunkerspot asked Paul Millar, Head of Global Credit for Bomin, to address some of the major concerns that are keeping him busy.
BUNKER QUALITY
Rotterdam has suffered in recent years over allegations of poor bunker fuel quality. A European Court of Justice ruling in 2013 over the interpretation of ‘waste fuel’ looked set to change this perception. Rhys Berry reports on the current state of play.
LNG
The Port of Barcelona has big plans for LNG. As the port’s environmental head, Jordi Vila, tells Rhys Berry, the infrastructure is in place and LNG refuelling is on the horizon.
Andrew Campbell, MD of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement UK, is convinced of the cost and environmental benefits of LNG as a marine fuel. He talks to Felicity Landon about a new gas fuel supply vessel designed in conjunction with Babcock LGE.
In the current climate for shipping, there are certainly risks but also, potentially, rewards for owners who commit to LNG-fuelled vessels. Jonathan Gaylor of Affinity (Shipping) LLP looks at the retrofit/newbuild dilemma.
ONSHORE POWER
The environmental benefits of using cold ironing to reduce shipping emissions are demonstrable, but what are the underlying financial costs to ports and shipowners? Lesley Bankes-Hughes considers the business case for switching to onshore power.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
As Roger Strevens moves on from his position as Chairman of the Trident Alliance, he talks to Rhys Berry about its challenges and achievements in ensuring that the issue of enforcement of sulphur emission regulations remains high on shipping’s agenda.
ECA REGULATIONS
What a difference a year makes. Martin Henry of Carisbrooke Shipping talks to Lesley Bankes-Hughes about the challenges and practicalities of operating a fleet in compliance with 0.1% sulphur ECA regulations.
LEGAL ISSUES
Using ISO 8217 specifications along with MARPOL VI regulations in sales terms and conditions is not a clear cut issue. As Steve Simms explains, ‘good enough’ fuel will satisfy one but not both of these requirements.
The claim of OW and ING has been upheld for a third time in the case of the Res Cogitans. Paul Taylor of Hill Dickinson looks at the reasoning behind these judgments 62Comparing notes – lawyers debate OW Bunker case complexities at ARACON.
FUEL ISSUES
Gunnar Kjeldsen of Bureau Veritas calls for increased industry consensus on where samples should be taken during bunker fuel deliveries.
Cold temperature behaviour in marine distillate fuels has become a serious operational concern since the turn of 2015. Michael Banning of Innospec explores the reasons behind the issue, and reviews different techniques to assess cold flow properties.
HYBRID POWER TECHNOLOGY
DNV GL looks at the application of a hybrid power solution to an innovative high speed rescue vessel design concept.
REGIONAL FOCUS: MAURITIUS
The Mauritian Port Authority has major plans for its gateway port of Port Louis. Lesley Bankes-Hughes canvassed the views of Frédéric Vazzoler of Total Marine Fuels about the island’s ambitions to become a competitive bunkering hub.
