The International Maritime Organisation's mandate to lower ship exhaust's sulphur content by 2020 may result in temporary turmoil, according to a drybulker owner.

"I think, for at least the first quarter of 2020, I think it's going to be complete chaos," Star Bulk Carriers president Hamish Norton said.

"I really have my doubts that people are going to pay fines for noncompliance if they have the nearest shred of an excuse in the first quarter of 2020."