With so much uncertainty over the availability and quality of low-sulphur fuels when IMO regulations reduce the quantity of sulphur in marine fuels to 0.5% from 3.5% in 2020, shipowners and charterers are advised to ensure they have adequate legal protection in place.

Chris Laskaris. Photo: TradeWinds

Under a time charterparty, the responsibility for supplying fuel of a reasonable general quality that is suitable for the type of engines onboard a vessel lies with the charterer.