TANKER operators are asking the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to strictly implement the age limit for imported tankers, noting its lax adoption is wreaking havoc on their refleeting initiatives.
The Philippine Petroleum Sea Transport Association (Philpesta) — the largest tanker association in the Philippines — claimed imported second-hand vessels older than the 15-year limit continue to penetrate the local market.
Philpesta executive director Ernesto Pagayo told PortCalls any refleeting program will fail if the age cap is not followed to the letter. "Upgrading is a continuing process but this will take longer considering the current global economic status aggravated by the entry of tankers beyond the limit," he said.
Earlier, Philpesta asked Marina to temporarily defer several new policies such as compliance to the International Safety Management (ISM) Code for small-time tanker operators.
While Philpesta acknowledges the need to comply with the ISM alongside the National Safety Management Code, the association said their adoption at this time will mean even higher investments in a market that is already very thin.
Just recently, operators had to comply with the double-hull tanker requirement imposed by Marina.
Next year, all vessels plying the local trade will have to take out a Protection and Indemnity insurance.
Tanker operators are also getting ready for the possible application of Republic Act 9483 or the Oil Pollution Compensation Act which requires a P0.10 per liter per delivery contribution to the oil pollution fund.
