BIMCO’s analysis shows significant geographical differences when it comes to VLSFO sulphur compliance and ISO 8217 quality problems

BIMCO, together with the other industry organisations, acquired data on all commercial fuel samples tested by Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) during 2020. This VPS data clearly shows the geographical differences between the standard of the fuels delivered to ships. Europe and the US seem to have the poorest performance. This is both in relation to sulphur compliance which may lead to increased air pollution, and ISO 8217 quality parameters, which may impact the safety of ships. BIMCO is providing IMO with data on very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) sulphur compliance and ISO 8217 fuel quality problems. The submissions include an invitation to countries to consider implementing and enforcing a licensing scheme for bunker suppliers operating within their jurisdiction. Such a measure should help combat the high level of problems in some of the poorer performing geographical regions.

Fit for purpose: are your bunker clauses 2020 ready?

Technical, regulatory and financial aspects of the 2020 global fuel sulphur cap regime understandably loom large in people’s minds. But the importance of the contractual dimension should not be overlooked. BIMCO is forging ahead with an all-encompassing 2020 Clause for charter parties, which should be published in November.

Bunker Price Adjustment Clause 2004

Bunker Supply and Payment Clause for Voyage Charters (Tank Vessels)

Approved by the Documentary Committee of INTERTANKO.

BIMCO adopts 2020 bunker clauses

BIMCO has developed two 2020 bunker clauses that deal with general compliance and the transitional period for an early December release.

Singapore’s September bunker sales fall to 15-month low

Bunker sales in the world’s largest bunkering hub fell to 3.94 million tonnes in September, the lowest level since June 2020 and a 6.7% drop from September 2020.

LNG Bunker Operational Clause for Time Charter Parties

In 2021 BIMCO initiated a project to develop a suite of LNG fuel clauses for time charter parties. The number of LNG fuelled ships in operation is growing steadily and the suite reflects the need to have bespoke clauses in time charters for these ships. The LNG clauses cover matters related to the LNG quality, delivery/redelivery, gas-freeing and cooling down and an operational clause. For dual-fuel ships the clauses are intended to be used together with the existing BIMCO bunker clauses for conventional fuel oils. The current suite of LNG fuel clauses for use in time charter parties also consists of: LNG Fuel Delivery Clause LNG Fuel Gas freeing and Cool down Clause LNG Fuel Quality Clause

BIMCO launches interactive graphs showing bunker fuel spreads

BIMCO has developed a monitoring service for bunker prices, with data provided by MABUX, which is now available to all BIMCO members here .

Bunker prices by Mabux

BIMCO members can check bunker prices for 43 ports provided by MABUX and updated daily, covering 380cSt, VLS FO and MGO LS fuel measured in USD per metric tonne.

Rumours on compulsory use of bunker mass flow meters in Chinese ports

Bunker fuel traders in China say the use of mass flow meters at local ports is increasing amid growing expectations their usage will become mandatory in the near future.