ICS sees sulphur cap teething problems

ICS chairman Esben Poulsson highlighted the challenge of ensuring sufficient supply of compliant fuel at all ports, as well as several complex, practical issues that the IMO is working to resolve over the next 18 months. Failure to address these problems could lead to the “unfair treatment of ships”, said Poulsson.

“It is vital that ship operators, charterers and fuel purchasers start making the necessary preparations to be ready for this major change,” Poulsson added. “This also means that oil refiners and bunker suppliers will need to ensure that compliant fuels are actually available for ships to purchase well in advance of January 2020.”

Speaking at the launch of ICS’ first annual review, Poulsson noted that the absence of agreed standards for new compliant fuel blends, which may differ in their composition from port to port, could lead to compatibility and mechanical problems. He anticipated a teething period after the cap’s introduction during which suitable compliant fuel might not always be available until it can be shipped in from elsewhere.

Availability issues are likely affect ships in tramp trades in particular, as these vessels call at diverse ports which are not always known long in advance.

Click here to read the ICS briefing note on the IMO sulphur cap.