IMO 2020 could be less disruptive than previously thought, according to new analysis by HSBC.

More ships have installed scrubbers than forecast, which will lead to greater consumption of high-sulphur fuel oil and less demand for marine diesel between 2020 and 2021, the bank believes.

This will, in turn, reduce the scale of disruption from the regulations when it enters into force on 1 January 2020, the bank said.