21OCT2019 - NEWS - Tramp shippers to be most challenged by IMO 2020 rule change: ICS

Shipping companies running itinerant merchant vessels known as tramps are concerned about sourcing fuel to comply with one of the biggest ever shake-ups of the industry next year, the head of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) said.

We believe the (fuel) supplies will inevitably be patchy outside the main bunkering ports, which is of particular concern to the tramp sector," Guy Platten, secretary general of the ICS, told Reuters in an interview.

The ICS represents shipping companies that transport 80% of the world's merchant tonnage, according to its website.

Tramp trading vessels don't have fixed schedules and go from port to port dropping off and picking up cargoes - anything from dry bulk ores and grains to energy products, livestock and general merchandise - on an availability basis.

"The tramp trade sector is very concerned," he said.