Indian bunker suppliers must seek approval to deliver biofuels - regulator

India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued new guidelines for bunker blends with up to 30% biofuel (B30).

IMAGE: Aerial view of Port of Mundra in Gujarat, India. Youtube of Adani Ports

The rules will apply to all types of bunkering operations, including truck-to-ship, terminal-to-ship and ship-to-ship, across all Indian ports, anchorages and offshore bunker facilities.

This move aims to ensure technical, safety and environmental compliance when handling and supplying biofuel blends such as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), among others, DGS said.

Bunker suppliers looking to supply biofuels must be approved specifically as biofuel bunker providers by the DGS, India’s maritime regulator. Their certifications will specify their permitted delivery methods and areas of operation.

Suppliers have to comply with relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or ISO norms for the safe handling, storage and transfer of biofuels. They must also obtain necessary clearances from port and terminal authorities and follow all applicable safety and emergency protocols.

Required documentation includes bunker delivery notes, certificates of quality, and a Proof of Sustainability (PoS) for the biofuel component of the blend.

The PoS must be issued by a globally recognised body, like the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), confirming that the bio-component meets sustainability and sourcing standards.

Blend ratios must be clearly documented, the guidance notes.

According to the DGS, suppliers will need to follow the current version of the circular as officially notified, until any future amendments are issued.

By Konica Bhatt

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