BIMCO updates bunker emission clause

BIMCO updates bunker emission clause    BIMCO, an international shipping association with 2,500 members in 123 countries, has updated its Standard Fuel Sulfur Content Clause for time charter parties in response to the new MARPOL air pollution regulations that came into force on May 19.
   MARPOL is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978.
   'The aim of the clause is to provide a clearly worded and balanced provision to help owners and charterers comply with the requirements of Regulations 14 and 18 of Annex VI of MARPOL, and with the requirements of other regulations relating to fuel sulfur content emission limits,' BIMCO said in a statement.
   Charterers must now provide a ship they use 'with fuels of the necessary sulfur content to allow the vessel to trade within the emission control zones ordered by the charterers,' BIMCO explained.
   Charterers must also use bunker suppliers that operate in accord with the new regulations. Under terms of the clause, the obligations of owners are subject to charterers having fulfilled their obligation to provide the correct fuels.
   The new clause 'interfaces with BIMCO's Standard Bunker Contract,' BIMCO said, adding. 'it would be well worth the time of any fuel purchaser or supplier to take a few minutes to read through the terms and conditions of the BIMCO form before entering into any other agreement for marine fuels.'
   BIMCO, whose members represent 65 percent of the world's merchant fleet, is accredited as an official observer at the International Maritime Organization