Chevron: Taking the Temperature of 2020 Fuel Switch

In the wake of the introduction of IMO’s global sulphur cap on 1 January 2020, Chevron Marine Lubricants takes stock of the lessons about how to ensure the safe and reliable operation of main engines.

One major concern before the switch over was whether ship operators would be able to successfully adjust their fuel handling and engine operations — including adopting new cylinder lubrication products and practices — to manage use of the new VLSFO blends.

In this white paper, Taking the temperature of the 2020 fuel sulphur change, Chevron Marine Lubricants assesses how the industry dealt with these issues. Despite fears to the contrary, VLSFO has in general turned out to be a high-quality product with a greater energy content and faster combustion than traditional HSFO. A large majority of ship owners prepared adequately and managed the transition well.

The experience offers important lessons for the challenges shipping will face in the future. As the industry explores options for meeting IMO’s greenhouse gas emission reduction ambitions — most crucially the aim of cutting emissions by 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels — more new fuels will come into play.