Intertanko

Intertanko
Name	Intertanko
Type	Trade association
Founded	1970
Headquarters	Oslo, Norway
Area served	Global
Key people	Kenneth Leech
Membership	Tanker owners and operators

Intertanko Intertanko is an international association representing independent tanker owners and operators. The organization engages with maritime regulators, port authorities, classification societies and shipowners to influence International Maritime Organization policy, maritime safety, and environmental standards. Intertanko interacts with institutions such as the European Commission, United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Chamber of Shipping, and national administrations including United Kingdom, United States, Norway, and Japan.

History

Intertanko was founded in 1970 amid shifts in global energy trade influenced by events like the 1973 oil crisis and the expansion of crude trades from regions such as Middle East and North Sea. Its early years coincided with regulatory developments at the International Maritime Organization and the adoption of conventions such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Intertanko worked alongside bodies like the International Labour Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and national flag states including Liberia and Panama to shape tanker operations. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Intertanko engaged with incidents and responses tied to events like the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the Braer oil spill, and developments in classification rules at Lloyd's Register, Det Norske Veritas and American Bureau of Shipping.

Organization and Membership

Intertanko’s structure includes a council and various committees that represent owner-members from regions such as Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania. Members include independent tanker companies registered in jurisdictions like Monaco, Singapore, Cyprus, Greece, Marshall Islands, Bahamas, and Hong Kong. Intertanko coordinates with industry stakeholders including International Chamber of Shipping, Oil Companies International Marine Forum, BIMCO, International Association of Classification Societies, and maritime unions such as International Transport Workers' Federation. The association liaises with classification societies including Lloyd's Register, Det Norske Veritas, Bureau Veritas, and RINA to align technical standards.

Policy and Advocacy

Intertanko advocates position papers and submissions to regulatory authorities including the International Maritime Organization, the European Commission, and national ministries such as the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and US Coast Guard. Policy areas include tanker design under amendments to MARPOL, ballast water management under the Ballast Water Management Convention, and sulfur fuel regulations tied to IMO 2020 and emissions control areas like the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The association engages with institutions such as the International Finance Corporation, World Bank, and insurers including P&I Clubs and the International Group of P&I Clubs on liability and financial frameworks. Intertanko’s advocacy intersects with standards from ISO and regional regulators like the European Maritime Safety Agency.

Safety and Environmental Initiatives

Intertanko promotes safety management systems compatible with the International Safety Management Code and collaborates on tanker-specific measures following incidents such as Torrey Canyon and Amoco Cadiz. Environmental initiatives include guidance on oil spill preparedness with coordination alongside International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation and coastal authorities like US Coast Guard and Norwegian Coastal Administration. The association supports technological uptake such as double-hull adoption influenced by standards at Lloyd's Register and fuel transition strategies related to low-sulfur fuel oil and alternative fuels discussed at forums including COP21 and COP26. Intertanko also interacts with science institutions like IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee and research centers at universities such as University of Southampton and World Maritime University.

Publications and Guidance

Intertanko issues technical guidance, position papers, and best-practice documents referenced by stakeholders including classification societies, shipyards such as those in South Korea and China, and charterers like BP and Shell plc. Publications cover topics ranging from tanker vetting aligned with RightShip and OCIMF practices to contractual frameworks influenced by BIMCO clauses. Guidance documents inform compliance with international instruments including MARPOL, SOLAS, and the Ballast Water Management Convention and are used by flag administrations such as Liberia and Malta.

Conferences and Training

Intertanko organizes conferences, seminars and workshops held in maritime hubs including Oslo, London, Singapore, Dubai, Shanghai, and New York. Events bring together stakeholders from International Maritime Organization, classification societies like Bureau Veritas, oil majors such as ExxonMobil and Chevron Corporation, shipowners from Greece and Japan, insurers, and maritime law firms. Training initiatives address tanker operations, emergency response, and regulatory compliance in cooperation with institutions like International Chamber of Shipping and training centers at Southampton Solent University.

Criticisms and Controversies

Intertanko has faced criticism from environmental NGOs such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth over perceived industry positions on emissions regulation and fuel standards during negotiations at IMO. Critiques from watchdogs including Transport & Environment and academic commentators at London School of Economics have focused on industry lobbying during debates over IMO 2020 implementation and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the International Maritime Organization's strategy. Legal and regulatory disputes have involved interactions with national authorities including European Commission investigations and litigation in jurisdictions like United States courts.

Category:Maritime organizations