Call for coordinated industry action

Scorpio Engineering’s Balan Velan points out that there is not much informed legislation, because of a lack of awareness and knowledge.

“Port authorities, stevedores and equipment suppliers need to get together on a formal structured basis to draft meaningful legislation. This is not happening. In this respect, magazines and publications such as Port Strategy could help by getting this discussion out into the public domain and, as a result, act as a catalyst to bring all sides together.”

Dust Control Technology’s Edwin Peterson adds: “The way dry bulk is handled has been mandated by legislators, but has also come from the terminal handling companies themselves. Indeed, as environmental awareness has become more mainstream, companies and individuals are recognising their responsibility to be good environmental stewards.

“Existing and proposed legislation also places clear guidelines and establishes timetables by which bulk handlers must comply. Avoiding fines, shut downs and other penalties helps these companies maintain profitability.”