IMO targets alternative fuel spill response

Participants at an International Maritime Organization (IMO) forum have called for greater cooperation to address gaps in spill-response preparedness as shipping expands its use of alternative bunker fuels.

IMAGE: Oil spill from a cargo ship. Getty Images

The IMO's two-day research and development forum, held in Singapore on 21–22 September, examined how the different properties of LNG, LPG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and biofuels could affect marine pollution incidents and emergency response operations.

Participants stressed that spill-response measures need to keep up with the shift to alternative bunker fuels, and that procedures should be in place for each fuel before major incidents occur.

The participants also examined how the behaviour of each fuel in a spill could change the way responders handle an incident.

They called for closer cooperation between governments, industry and researchers to ensure that ongoing research and operational experience inform future spill-response protocols.

The forum was hosted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), with support from China.

By Konica Bhatt

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