Primary research represented the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, internet sources, statistical data from government websites and trade associations / agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants insights, and recognizing business opportunities.
Secondary research sources which were typically referred to include but are not limited to: company websites, annual reports, financial reports, broker reports, investor presentations, SEC filings, internal and external proprietary databases as well as relevant patent and regulatory database, national government documents, statistical databases, market reports, news articles, press releases, industry magazines, webcasts specific to companies operating in the market, Platts Global, IEA( International Energy Agency), Lloyds Register, International modules for STCW( Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping), ICS( International Chamber of Shipping), MARPOL( Marine Pollution), UNCTAD( United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), IMO( International Maritime Organization), AMS( Alternate Management Systems), MARAD( Maritime Administration), IACS( International Association of Classification Societies) and regulatory databases such as ICIS, Hoovers, oneSOURCE, Factiva and Bloomberg, national government documents, statistical databases, market reports, news articles, press releases and webcasts specific to companies operating in the marine fuel management market.
We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.
The global marine fuel management market has been segmented as follows: