January was a busy period for bunkering ships due to the new fuel regulations introduced at the beginning of the month.

All ships now travelling in a designated ECA must burn fuel with a sulphur content of less then 0.1 per cent.

A total of 77 ships bunkered here in January many of which loaded marine gas oil. Now the stemming list is showing signs of a return to normal trade although it may just be a temporary dip in the business. The shipping industry is currently in a state of flux with low priced bunkers, types of fuel available and technical problems surrounding new hybrid fuels.

Falmouth pilots are reporting that some shipmasters are saying that engines are sluggish at times and periodically the main engine fails to start. Pilots are requesting masters to test engines prior to arrival which is normal practice after a long voyage and again during the pilotage.