GCC states invited to sign pact to cut marine pollution

The GCC countries have been urged to sign an international agreement that aims to reduce forms of pollution associated with the movement of marine vessels.

The call to sign the MARPOL 73/78 agreement came on the conclusion of Fujairah's International Bunkering and Fuel Oil Conference (Fujcon 2005) recently.

The event ran for two days, and brought together more than 200 marine organisations from 20 countries.

Participants discussed various issues related to the development of the bunkering and fuel oil supply industry. They also discussed ways to confront challenges facing the industry.

The UAE was the first among the GCC countries to create a reception facility to handle the slop, sludge and other waste materials marine vessels can leave behind, said Capt Tamer Masoud, harbour master at the Port of Fujairah. That facility is located in Fujairah, Capt Masoud said.

Other GCC countries should open similar facilities so that the Gulf's coast can be protected against marine pollution, he said.

The Fujairah reception facility is currently operating at about 30 per cent of its total capacity, Capt Masoud said.

"The UAE is ready to sign the MARPOL 73/78 agreement. We still need our neighbours to install reception facilities to help avoid oil spills. We look forward to enhancing Fujairah's position as the second largest international bunker centre after Singapore," Capt Masoud said.

Fujairah intends to continuously improve its level of service, as well as cooperate closely with the bunkering industry, to secure and develop its status as a leading bunkering centre, said Dr Salem Abdo Khalil, the Government of Fujairah's Technical Advisor.

"The marine department at the Port of Fujairah, as part of its mandate to work with the shipping industry and bunkering sector in the region," continues to provide the highest possible level of service while following international laws, regulations and conventions, Dr Khalil said.

"Our strategy is to voluntarily observe the guidelines stipulated by MARPOL. We share its objectives and not just when it comes to keeping the marine environment clean. We also want to enhance the standards of the maritime industry in general and the bunkering business in particular," he said.

A number of presentations were conducted during the final day of Fujcon 2005. William Tan, vice-president of Singapore-based Miyabi Industries Company, gave a presentation about bunkering disputes.

Another presentation was conducted by Chris Fisher, founder of UK-based Bunker Claims International. Fisher spoke about bunkering contracts.