EDITOR’S LeTTER
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UNDER PRE SSURE BY SANDRA SPEARES Dealing with the fallout from the pandemic has highlighted the many issues that ports and dry bulk operators are currently facing
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rews and those operating in ports have continued to be under pressure as they face a range of short- and longer-term measures relating to the pandemic. As the International Association of Classification Societies’ chairman Nick Brown said at the association’s recent annual press conference, efforts have been focused on keeping supply chains operating effectively and making sure that essential goods reach their intended end-users. Brown mentioned in his presentation the different segments of the industry that have needed to work together more cohesively than they have perhaps done in the past. It is clear that as the demands of decarbonisation make themselves increasingly felt, and governments announce further measures going forward, industry co-operation will be vital if any of the ambitious climate targets are to be reached. It is also worth remembering that there are already regulations in place, such as those relating to ballast water, that need to be followed through and not merely forgotten about as operators face new regulatory challenges. What is clear is that a tick box mentality with regard to the new eco
challenges is not an option and those in the industry need to ensure that not only do they meet requirements, but that they have put in place practices that will stand the test of time. Industry practices have also come under the spotlight recently with highprofile incidents, such as that involving Ever Given, shining a light on safety and manoeuvrability of vessels in restricted areas. Questions have been raised, among other topics, on the safety issues relating to the carriage of containers on bulk carriers.
Industry practices have come under the spotlight recently, with high-profile incidents shining a light on safety
With this in mind, the use of new forms of propulsion for the industry will continue to gather pace – although one wonders if these will develop at the speed at which many expect them to do so. There will also be a need for shoreside facilities to keep pace with the demands of using new fuels and different types of propulsion. Meanwhile, the pandemic has led to many working in a virtual way, which has brought with it several advantages, for example remote survey use can cut down the risk of accidents for surveyors when visiting ships or accessing dangerous spaces. That said, there still remains a role for the surveyor on the ground, with better opportunities to assess responses to requests for information, for example. It must be said that getting several people together in the same room has much to offer – in particular in a highly sociable industry such as ours. Let us hope there will soon be more opportunities for industry members to meet in person. We face a challenging time and there will be much to play for when the industry meets in Glasgow for COP26. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this edition of Bulk Terminals International and look forward to seeing many of you in person soon.
BULK TERMINALS
international | AUTUMN 2021
