TRANSPORT & SHIPPING
A complex set of r The safe transport of oils and fats is governed by the regulations of both international and national organisations, as well as industry bodies, and include the proper cleaning of tanks Keith Nuthall
30 OFI – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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The transport of edible oils and fats by sea is not just big business – it has become increasingly regulated under international convention and controlled by industry standards, with a view to improving efficiencies and reducing the risk of pollution and contamination. According to US-based Research & Markets’ September report, the global market for fats and oils is projected to generate revenues of US$236.7bn in this year, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% by 2026 to reach US$285.2bn that year. In its 2020 trade bulletin, the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) estimates that the value of internationally traded oils and fats was around US$100bn in 2019. The successful bulk transport of oils and fats can therefore yield major revenues. However, getting it right, within the law and according to good industrial practice is not easy. And this work is becoming more demanding. For instance, under an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2020 regulation regulating its MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, sulphur in ships’ fuel oil has been capped
at a maximum of 0.5%. Any changes to MARPOL must be followed closely by the oils and fats shipping sector, given that since 2007, the industry has been brought under IMO regulation. Most oils and fats can be carried by IMO classified types 1 and 2 double hull tankers and type 3 single hull tankers, (with the exception of palm oil, which can only be carried on single hull vessels if special measures are made to protect this cargo), according to a note from marine insurer Maritime Mutual. A spokesperson for the London-based IMO told OFI: “Global vegetable oil production amounted to around 209.14M tonnes in 2020/21 and much of that is transported by ship, including in bulk. The safe transport of such oils is paramount for IMO. IMO has adopted a comprehensive body of regulations from construction to training of seafarers to address the safe transport of all goods by sea.” She also highlighted 2019 updates (in force since 1 January 2021) to its International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC), which included revised chapters 17 (a summary of minimum safety requirements, such as for venting vapours from tanks); 18 www.ofimagazine.com
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