IUMI, the International Union of Marine Insurance, forces refineries to test on low sulphur fuels ahead of the introduction of the global sulphur cap on 2020. IUMI stated that fuel testing is undertaken by the end-user but this has to change.
Specifically, IUMI reported that it is concerned that incidents on fuel contamination are increasing.
Moreover, the Union addressed that refineries should be compelled to conduct testing and confirm the delivery of non-contaminated fuel.
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IUMI is concerned that if action is not to be taken from refineries to contribute to reducing fuel contamination, the shipping industry might experience additional challenges, which insurance will not cover.
Additionally, low sulphur fuel is not consistent around the world and most of the times this type of fuel contains cat fines, that onboard systems and processes fail to filter out.
Variations in flashpoint and combustibility are also obvious.
Concluding, IUMI is calling for regulation that obliges refineries to guarantee the quality of their fuel and for vessel operators to improve their systems, processes and training to protect their vessels against the potential impact of using low sulphur bunkers.
