Vessel sharing saves pounds and pollution

Established in 1995, AMLA helps its members source cost effective solutions for their unscheduled shipping requirements by arranging vessel shares with other firms operating in the North Sea, thus reducing both financial costs and environmental impact.

A total of 35 vessel shares took place during the first six months of 2010, more than twice the figure for the same period in 2009. The reduction in CO₂ emissions caused by vessel shares handled by AMLA during this time was the equivalent to removing 385 small cars from public roads for a year.

Over the same six month period, financial savings for members topped £825,000 and AMLA expects this to reach in excess of £1.5 million by the end of the 2010, following the traditionally quieter autumn and winter period.

AMLA is managed by logistics firm Peterson SBS, which acts as the cargo focal point for the group and is responsible for identifying sharing opportunities between its members, which operate from Peterhead and Aberdeen. Membership currently stands at 25 and includes many global operators and service companies..

Mike Munro, marine services manager at Peterson SBS said, ‘In a tight market, such as the one we have experienced in 2010 where supply and demand don’t correspond, being a member of AMLA can mean the difference between delivering priority cargo to a North Sea installation or facing a potential shutdown situation due to a lack of vessel availability.

‘Over the past 15 years AMLA’s success has stemmed from the fact that it presents a win-win situation to all of its members. In financial terms, vessel operators, or the sharers, have an opportunity to earn additional income from sharing their resources, whilst those companies employing their services, or the recipients, will make significant savings by not having to spot charter a vessel and foot the entire bill themselves.’

One of AMLA’s key objectives is to ensure financial benefits for its members. AMLA also works with the pool of vessels at its disposal to eliminate the need to spot charter, which in turn reduces harbour congestion and companies’ carbon footprints.

Mike Munro concluded, ‘Obviously a key objective for the energy industry is minimising its impact on the environment and in this regard AMLA is ensuring that CO₂ output within the North Sea is greatly reduced as our vessel pooling system ensures fewer ships are operating within the area, meaning less fuel is used and the environmental impact is lessened.’