Operators warned over European fuel deadline

Vessels that breach low-sulphur limits risk enforcement action

Justin Stares - Friday 13 November 2009

SHIP operators whose vessels are not equipped to burn low-sulphur fuel by the start of next year have been given a stark choice by the European Commission: risk breaking the law or avoid calling at European Union ports.

There is no chance of extending the January 1 deadline for 0.1% fuel at berth or anchor, the Brussels executive said. Operators must decide whether to “risk possible enforcement action” by member state competent authorities.

The commission statement follows requests by the industry to extend the deadline by a year. According to tanker association Intertanko, “quite a few” tankers are not ready for the change, although neither regulators nor the industry know exactly how many.

Without the necessary technical modifications there was a risk of engine room explosion if low-sulphur fuel was used. Attention has focused on the tanker fleet, though other types of ship are also said to be affected.

“The commission does not have the power to suspend the date of entry into force of the obligation to use 0.1% sulphur fuel in community ports,” the commission’s directorate-general for the environment said.

“From January 1, 2010, shipowners that have not made the necessary technical adaptations must decide whether to risk possible enforcement action by the member state competent authorities or to avoid visiting community ports until such time that they are able to comply with the directive’s requirements.”

The commission said the industry had plenty of time to prepare for the change, as the revision of the so-called sulphur directive dated back to 2005. The January 2010 deadline was chosen “to allow sufficient time for the maritime industry to bring about technical adaptation to the 0.1% limit,” the commission said, quoting the directive’s own wording.

Intertanko said it had predicted the problem five years ago. “We told the [commission] this might happen before [the directive] was adopted,” said Intertanko assistant director Kristian Fuglesang. “Quite a few tankers will be affected.”

Without a chance of a deadline extension, Intertanko is hoping prosecutions can be avoided if a ship operator can provide proof the engine conversion process has begun. Engine conversion and certification is said to take around eight months.

Implementing the low-sulphur directive was key for the EU’s air quality, the commission said. “The use of low-sulphur fuels in community ports is only one component in a programme where the community has taken measures to improve ambient air quality. Many member states are relying on the sulphur in fuels rules coming into force in order to meet mandatory air quality limits.”

Any leeway in implementing the rules will depend on the goodwill of national authorities.

The Singapore bunker industry may soon have a new standard aimed at improving the measurement of bunker fuel during transfer.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and SPRING Singapore are planning a Working Group under the Technical Committee on Bunkering to look at introducing mass flow meter technology.

The Working Group will be made up of stakeholders such as oil terminals, ship owners, surveyors, bunker craft operators, bunker suppliers, mass flow meter vendors and oil majors.

Between 2009 and 2010, the Working Group will oversee trials on mass flow meters and develop documentation requirements.

The Working Group will also determine an auditing system for installed mass flow meters to ensure they are tamper-proof.

A draft Singapore Standard for Mass Flow Meters is expected to be ready in 2010.

"A draft Singapore Standard for Mass Flow Meters is expected to be ready in 2010."Its aim will be to increase the efficiency of bunker fuel transfer process and minimise bunker quantity disputes.

Currently, the industry relies on manual tank gauging or sounding to determine the quantity of bunkers delivered or received, a process that can be time consuming and which requires calculations.

The mass flow meter, known as as Coriolis flow meter or Inertial flow meter, measures mass directly and is able to detect air in the flow.

Local sources told Bunkerworld that the cost of installing a mass flow meter is below $100,000 for small vessels and close to $100,000 for container ships.

Bunkerworld understands that MPA would not make it compulsory for bunker tanker operators to install the flow meters onto their whole fleet.

The Coriolis flow meter has been in the market for over 30 years, introduced by Micro Motion. Today over 600,000 Coriolis meters are being used across a variety of industries.

Oil major BP has started trials more than two years ago on a bunker tanker and leading shipping firm Maersk has said it will eventually install the flow meters on its entire fleet of vessels.

Vendors of mass flow meters include Emerson Process Management and Endress+Hauser.

Vendors have expressed interests in running trials of the mass flow meters on bunker tankers and ships, and will seek to create awareness of the technology in the Singapore market over the next few months, Bunkerworld was told.

Lee Hong Liang, 8th June 2009 02:29 GMT

NEWS RELEASE EMSA TECHNICAL MEETING ON USE OF 0.1% SULPHUR CONTENT FUEL

Monday 19 October 2009

European Marine Safety Agency (EMSA) Technical Meeting on use of 0.1% sulphur content fuel

EU Directive 2005/33/EC, also known as the EU Sulphur Directive, includes a provision (article 4b) which requires that as from 1 January 2010,  when at berth (and/or at anchor) longer than 2 hours in a EU port, ships utilise 0.1% sulphur content fuel.

Compliance with such a provision would require an evaluation on whether current onboard installations, designed and made to run on residual fuels with regular sulphur content, need any adjustments and eventual upgrades.

Particular concern was expressed by INTERTANKO and OCIMF over the switch from HFO to ultra low sulphur content MGO into the auxiliary boilers of oil tankers. We have reported earlier this year on the various joint INTERTANKO/OCIMF meetings and discussions with the EU Commission and a large number of EU Member States.

It had become apparent for regulators that there is a need for a safety evaluation to be preformed across the industry. Therefore, EMSA called this meeting inviting ship owners, class and engine and boiler manufacturers to attend. The meeting considered a report on the Use of distillate fuels by ships at berth (also called AEA report) which identifies a number of areas of concern and implies there is a need for a safety evaluation since ships are to be required to use such a fuel.  

INTERTANKO and OCIMF made a joint intervention to recommend that manufacturers perform risk assessments and provide safe solutions, as and if appropriate. Experience so far indicates that such evaluations and upgrades take quite some time. INTERTANKO and OCIMF asked for a phase-in period up to 1 January 2011 so enough number of tankers and their onboard installations could be safely evaluated and eventually modified.  

The boiler manufacturers (Aalborg) and Class (IACS) presentations indicated that there is a need for such evaluations and that the process would take time beyond the deadline of 1 January 2010. It also pointed out that there is no standard to define and thus to check the required "marine fuel with a maximum 0.1% sulphur content". Concerns with regard to too low viscosity and to lack of lubricity were also added.

The EMSA meeting was of a technical nature. The EMSA and DG TREN representatives will prepare a report to the EU Commission, noting the facts as presented and the discussions during this meeting. It will be up to  the Commission to assess and eventually suggest any follow-up action.

Norman Webster of Avon, died on Saturday, October 17 after a two year long battle with leukemia. His wife of 19 years, and his adult son and daughter were at his bedside when he died.

Throughout his illness, he received exceptional care from the staffs of UConn Medical Center and Yale New Haven Hospital to whom the family extends their thanks.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Webster and their two daughters, Kilian and Emily of Avon; his son, Jason, Jason's wife, Lora, and their children, Graydon, Abigail and Mia of Pembroke, MA; and his daughter Cheryl Smith, her husband, Ed, and their children, Emma, Rebecca and Gwen of Fairfield. 

Norman's eldest son, Graydon, died in an air collision in 1992 while serving in the US Navy. His sisters, Ray, Margaret and Edith and many nephews and nieces in South Africa, and his sister, Norma, living on the Isle of Wight, also survive Norman.

Norman Webster was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the son of a harbor crane operator, on November 21, 1940. Norman came to America with his family in 1977, and settled in Greenwich. He married Suzanne in 1990, and moved to Avon with Suzanne and their children Kilian and Emily in 2001.

The consummate entrepreneur, Norman began his career in the early computer industry and transitioned into the maritime industry in the 1990's. This career afforded him a relationship he enjoyed with the Connecticut Maritime Association. He is also a former member of the New York Yacht Club.

While Norman enjoyed golf, sailing and mentoring young people in theater, sports and Christian life, he was happiest surrounded by his children and grandchildren at his home in Avon.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday (Oct. 24) at 11:00am in the Memorial United Methodist Church, Avon.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to help pay for Kilian and Emily's educations will be accepted with gratitude.  Please send donations in care of Pastor Florence Eddins, Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road, Avon, CT 06001. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc.

 Were getting near the end. We have one more regular season game and then the Playoffs. Under the new rules only the top six teams make it to the big dance.

Here are the playoff standing.

1. Fairfield Chemical

2. Glencore

3. Eitzen

4. Odin Marine

5. Atlas Dryguys

6. Stolt-Nielsen

With potentially 6 teams finishing the season with a 4-5 record I was not looking forward to trying to workout the tie-breaker situation. To my surprise every team that was in the hunt for a playoff spot knew exactly what had to happen for them to make it. Once I told them who won and lost they all knew where they stood. I didn't have to make any explanations or arguments. I got to say I have had nothing but the best cooperation and support from all the teams and team captains. Thank you, you all really made my job easier.

Monday started off with Odin vrs Stolt-Nielsen. To do it justice I am just going to give you the report I received from Odin's coach Brit Thorn.

Despite a amazing bench presence from the loyal Stolt fans, Odin had a few good offensive innings and came away with about a 10 run advantage. A great time was had by all after the game with good food and beverages and lots of laughs.

Tuesday was a knockdown drag-out battle for second place which comes with a first round bye in the playoffs. Glencore edged out Eitzen 17-15.

 Wednesday the Atlas Dryguys just kept chipping away inning by inning for a 11-4 win over All Marine Spares.

 Thursday was a game that meant a lot for several teams in their playoff hopes and position. It was simple for Moran, you win your in, you don't your out. They went into the game knowing that mighty Fairfield was averaging more than 20 runs a game. They gave them a bit of a shock when at the end of 3 innings there was no score. Fairfield finally found their stroke late in the game and came away with an 11-1 win.

Next week we have our final regular season game on Monday with Eitzen hosting Weber.

The first round of the playoffs are:

 Tuesday Sept. 1      Odin is the home team against Atlas Dryguys

Wednesday Sept 2  Eitzen is the home team against Stolt-Nielsen

Winner of Tuesdays game plays Fairfield and Wednesdays winner plays Glencore.

I am looking for volunteers to umpire the semi and final games. please let me know if you can help.

Enjoy the weekend

Chris Towne

The Commish

 WILLIAM J. DRAKOS of North Stonington, passed away peacefully with his family around him Friday, August 21, 2009. He was born in Hartford, September 15, 1921 and was the son of the late James and Anthe (Kastrinos) Drakos. Bill attended Yale University in the V-12 Officer's Training Program and served in the United States Marine Corps in Okinawa during World War II. After the war, he returned to Yale where he graduated in 1947. He entered the shipping business in New York as a young man and went on to become a successful ship broker, founding his own firm, Tricontinental Shipping Corp. in 1960. Over the years, he invested wisely and became a well respected and skilled ship owner. Bill was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mystic Aquarium, Anatolia College in Thessalonika, Greece and served on various Unicef Committees. He was also a longtime member of the Watch Hill Yacht Club. Bill leaves behind his wife, Teeny of 62 years; three sons and their wives, James and Karen Drakos of Greenwich, Andrew and Debra Drakos of Mystic, and Peter and Shonah Drakos of New Canaan; and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Effie Drakos Reilly. Bill will always be remembered for his integrity, warmth, and courage. He was loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Church, 27 Church St., Stonington. Burial will follow at Stonington Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, Mystic (51 Williams Ave.) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mystic Marine Aquarium www.mysticaquarium.org The Drakos family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to share an online message of condolence and directions to the funeral home.

 Unfortunately due to some very localized showers we only played two games this week.

Monday Odin jumped out to an early lead and were in very good shape going into the 7th inning. Clipper came storming back with a tremendous rally scoring 8 runs in the 7th only to fall short. Final score Odin 17 - Clipper 15.

Tuesday was a very close game with the lead for either side being no more than one run at the end of every inning. Moran scored two runs in the top of the 7th to take the lead and held on for a 9-8 win over Glencore.

Wednesday and Thursdays games will be rescheduled.

Now here is the remaining regular season schedule including all make-up games.

Week of August 17

Monday Stolt-Nielsen vrs Glencore

Tuesday Eitzen vrs Odin

Wednesday Clipper vrs Weber

Thursday Odin vrs Moran

Week of August 24

Monday Odin vrs Stolt-Nielsen

Tuesday Glencore vrs Eitzen

Wednesday All Marine vrs Atlas Dryguys

Thursday Moran vrs Fairfield

Monday August 31th Eitzen vrs Weber

Iam sure you are all aware but it's worth repeating. It is getting dark earlier and earlier so it is both teams interest to try and get your games started by 6 PM.

Enjoy what is expected to be a beautiful week-end

Chris Towne

The Commish

Douglas B. Stevenson, Director of the Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI) Center for Seafarers’ Rights, is currently on an 8-day journey through “Pirate Alley” aboard the Maersk Idaho. In a statement issued yesterday SCI stated that:

"Doug embarks on this journey for professional reasons. He wants to learn from the experiences of mariners who routinely sail through pirate-infested waters."

You can follow Doug's progress on his voyage on Twitter. Not being that up to speed with this whole Twitter thing I gave it a look and his posts are well worth viewing. To follow his trip simply click here:

http://twitter.com/dbs5218

Results

Quarter Finals

Andre Niemeier/Nick Haskell vs Mohan Muppidi/Harold Boyer

Winner: Andre Niemeier/Nick Haskell: 6/1

Derek Rogers/Lars Gustafson vs Jeanette Jensen/Kline Sack

Winner: Jeanette Jensen/Kline Sack: 6/2

Martin Kahm/Justin Martin vs Ray Bartoszek/Ryan Bartoszek

Winner: Martin Kahm/Justin Martin: 7/5

Bill Marmann/Steve Huvane vs Marty Kontyko/James Chew

Winner: Marty Kontyko/James Chew: 7/5

Semi Finals

Andre Niemeier/Nick Haskell vs Jeanette Jensen/Kline Sack

Winner: Andre Niemeier/Nick Haskell: 7/5

Martin Kahm/Justin Martin vs Marty Kontyko/James Chew

Winner: Martin Kahm/Justin Martin: 6/2

Final

Andre Niemeier/Nick Haskell vs Martin Kahm/Justin Martin

Winner: Andre Niemeier/Nick Haskell: 6/0

CMA Tennis Champions 2009

Andre Niemeier/Nick Haskell