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The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has today (April 1, 2014) announced the appointment of Jens Maul Jorgensen [pictured] as its Chairman for 2014/15. He replaces Simon Neo who has completed his one year term of office.

IBIA, which this year celebrates its 21st anniversary, is focusing its efforts on engaging with shipowners directly over the issue of the quality of bunker fuel quality. Jens Maul Jorgensen is Director of Bunkers for German dry bulk shipowner, Oldendorff and has 24 years of shipping industry experience. As Director of Bunkers at Oldendorff, he leads a team of six purchasers and 14 inspectors worldwide servicing 566 vessels.

Commenting on Jens Maul Jorgensen’s appointment, IBIA Chief Executive Peter Hall said: "IBIA is striving to improve bunker quality across the marine fuel supply chain and the appointment of the most senior bunker buyer for the world’s biggest dry bulk shipping company as IBIA Chairman shows that we are completely serious about this."

Jens Maul Jorgensen said: "Off-spec bunkers are a serious problem which the industry needs to get to grips with. I’m a great believer in collaboration and only collaboration from all players in the bunker industry is going to bring an improvement to the situation. From buyers to sellers and everyone in-between, IBIA represents the marine fuels industry and I’m honoured to have been appointed as its Chairman."

He added: "I am very grateful to Simon Neo and the huge efforts he has made over the past 12 months, particularly in raising the association’s profile in Asia."

IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) this week is considering IBIA’s paper calling for clarity and transparency in the marine fuel supply chain.

The paper is recommending that all stakeholders come together to develop “best practice” looking at the the process of data collection from bunker suppliers; a process for authorities and inspectors to report non-compliance with Annex VI; regulations to minimise the risk of non-compliant fuels arising from fuel blending activity; enforcement procedures to ensure that ship operators can have a greater degree of confidence with their suppliers; and the collection of data from fuel suppliers, fuel testing companies and shipping companies to identify the tends and root cause of fuel quality issues.

"As marine users meet the sulphur cap requirements, there will inevitably be demand pressures put upon all within the supply chain to meet the needs of compliant fuel. It is important that as demand rises good quality data is available to identify any challenges the industry may face," IBIA said.