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The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) is inviting delegates attending SMM, the international maritime trade fair, to join them for a vital discussion on the timing and implications of the global 0.5% sulphur cap.

The IBIA forum on Wednesday 7th September, entitled 'Be prepared for the challenges lying ahead' is to examine all of the top issues as the decision on the timing of the global 0.5% sulphur cap draws closer.

The speakers will include IBIA CEO Peter Hall and IBIA IMO representative Unni Einemo. They will cover the latest news from the IMO regarding the fuel availability debate, the impact on the industry of the implementation of the global sulphur cap and also touch on proposed changes to the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN).

Anna Larsson from the Trident Alliance will consider the issues of compliance, and Michael Green of Lintek Shipcare will provide an update on the fuel market and prevailing quality issues.

IBIA has previously warned that the transition to move the global bunker consumption and supply from mainly residual fuel to 0.5% sulphur fuels, which are expected to be principally distillates, "simply cannot happen overnight".

In a statement on Friday, IBIA said: "The bunker and maritime industries are facing an unprecedented challenge as operators, suppliers and buyers struggle to successfully manage the transition by the deadline. Most ship operators will want to hold off for as long as possible because of the increased costs of the lower sulphur fuel."

IBIA has outlined a number of strategies to ease the transition to the global 0.5% sulphur cap that could help industry meet the new requirements without losing sight of the environmental aims of the regulation. These include;

- Rather than an instant global change, first introduce a 0.5% sulphur limit for ships when sailing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EZZ) of Annex VI signatory countries, region by region.

- Allow exemptions for ships with contracts in place to fit abatement technology.

- Confirm the issuance and acceptance of fuel oil not availability notices (FONARs) permitted under Annex VI.

- Allowing a period of adaption and monitoring before requiring and enforcing compliance.

The IBIA Forum will take place in the Shanghai Room, at SMM Hamburg on Wednesday 7 September, and will run from 13:30hrs - 16:30hrs. It is free to attend and will be of interest to anyone in the marine fuel industry.

IBIA will be represented at SMM, Europe's largest shipping trade fair, sharing a stand with its corporate members Lintek Shipcare (Stand A2 125).

SMM, held at the Hamburg Messe und Congress [pictured], runs from 6th to 9th September and attracts more than 2,100 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors.