Page 43: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (May 2001)

ISU Survey Points Out

Bunker Concerns

During 2000, member salvors of the

International Salvage Union (ISU) responded to more than 300 marine casualties where there was a possibility of a pollution event arising. The Union reported that there was a significant increase in both the number of services provided and the total volume of poten- tial pollutants recovered.

ISU salvors responded to 310 casual- ties with a potential for causing the envi- ronmental damage, as against 232 in 1999 (an increase of one-third). The fig- ure of cargoes and bunkers that had been salved rose to a little more than 36 per- cent, from 434,100 tons to 591,202 tons.

Commenting on the outcome of the most recent ISU Annual Pollution Pre- vention Survey, president Jean Labescat says: "The increase on 1999 is signifi- cant, but the total of pollutants recov- ered is only half that of 1998, when a total recovery of 1.18 million tons was recorded."

Labescat also discussed the sharp drop in the amount of chemicals involved in salvage operations and an expanded focus on the removal of marine fuels as the first step in casualty salvage - reflected in an increase of approximate- ly 28 percent in the volume of bunkers recovered last year.

In 2000, ISU can be credited for the salvage of 310 salvage assistances reported in the survey recovered the fol- lowing: 71 percent crude oil; two per- cent chemicals; 13 percent other pollu- tants; and 14 percent bunkers.

The amount of crude oil recovered was equal to approximately six spills of Sea

Empress size. While there was a major reduction in the tonnage of chemicals involved in casualties, this was matched by an equally steep increase in the ton- nage of other potential pollutants (such as slops and dirty ballast).

Last year also included 15 salvage ser- vices, which involved tankers (20 in 1999). The largest tanker involved was laden with 140,000 tons of crude oil.

There was a substantial fall in the num- ber of casualties requiring ship-to-ship transfer services — six, as compared to 20 in 1999.

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May, 2001 43

New Bunkering Firm Formed

A new Bunker Trading Company was established in Singapore in early April.

The company is called United Bunker- ing & Trading (Asia) Pte. Ltd., and is backed by a major European investor. In the year 2000/2001, the total turnover reached $600 million.

United Bunkering & Trading (Asia)

Pte. Ltd., said it can handle supplies of bunker oil to ships throughout the world and also supply other naturally related products and services, like lubricants, crew change and agency service.

United Bunkering & Trading (Asia)

Pte. Ltd., is staffed by Daniel Cheong,

Managing Director; Peter Chng,

Bunker Trader; and Linda Lee, Secre- tary/Administration.

The new company can be reached at

Tel: +65 37 222 05; Fax: +65 32 470 08;

E-mail: [email protected]

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