Editorial: Charting the course

Amidst tough challenges on the energy front, leadership and a clear vision are needed, now more than ever. In this 23rd edition of Asia’s premier annual event for the Fuels & Lubes industry, now dubbed F+L Week 2017, we are soliciting papers that will help chart and define the future course of our industry.

The conference theme is “Charting the Course.” Having observed this industry for the last 32 years, it’s possible that
a perfect storm is brewing. The next several years could be pivotal for our industry. Preparations are well underway for F+L Week 2017. Next year’s event will be held at the Four Seasons Singapore.

The call for papers is now open. The deadline for abstract submission is September 9, 2016. For the first time in the history of our conference, we are also accepting nominations for “Product Development of the Year” and “Asia-Pacific F&L Person of the Year.” You can submit your nominations, as well as abstract submissions, to [email protected].

In this issue, our cover article focuses on developments in India, which will be making the leap to Bharat Stage VI
emissions standards on April 1, 2020. To make this happen over a relatively short period of time will require not only massive investments by the oil and auto industries, but also cooperation from both sides. We will continue to report on these developments in F+L Daily, our extremely popular “First with the Latest” publication, and in greater depth here in Fuels & Lubes International.

Also in this issue, we highlight the Collin Trust keynote presentation by Harry Robertsson, technical director at Stena, one of the world’s largest ferry operators, during the 28th CIMAC World Congress in Helsinki, Finland. The story on future ships and fuels is complemented by contributions from John Smythe of Infineum on sulphur emissions standards in the marine sector and the growth of Group II base oils in marine applications.