Biofuels: Time Running Out for Tanker Owners
New regulations on the carriage of biofuels could limit the trading flexibility of product tankers from next January, according to Rivertrace Engineering, Managing Director, Mike Coomber. This is because oil discharge monitoring equipment on board most existing vessels is not geared up to handle biofuels. From next January, Coomber warns that vessels without up-to-date type-approved equipment will not even make it on to charterers’ shortlists because they will no longer be eligible to carry biofuel cargoes. The regulations are embodied in IMO Resolution MEPC.108(49) as amended by MEPC.240(65).
Aid to Navigation above Arctic Circle
Four Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team Kodiak personnel completed a build of the 15-ft Coast Guard aid to navigation tower four miles south of Point Hope August 2, which is the only permanent Coast Guard aid to navigation tower north of the Arctic Circle. In January 2009, a waterways analysis and management review was conducted on the North Slope. The WAMS identified local interest to enhance safety for the subsistence users and value to maritime traffic in the area. The proposal to re-establish ATON in Point Hope was approved.
Topaz Multi-Million EPC Contract by FRCL
Fujairah Refinery Company Ltd, jointly owned by Vitol Group and the Government of Fujairah, recently awarded a multi-million dollar EPC contract to the Topaz Energy and Marine subsidiary, Nico International. The contract award relates to the Oil Terminal 2 “Users’ Line” Connection Project in the Port of Fujairah. Part of the Topaz Engineering division, Nico was awarded the contract by FRCL in competition with several regional names. The project includes construction of pipelines…
