Shipowners are struggling to dispose of high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) on board vessels in some markets as the IMO’s carriage ban takes effect, although the overall compliance level is expected to be high.
Under rules that come into force on 1 March, ships will not be allowed to carry any marine fuel with sulphur content above 0.5% in their bunker tanks. Ships with scrubbers are exempt from the carriage ban.
Industry participants reported that shipowners have often needed to pay for disposal in North Europe and the US, after facing regulatory and logistical challenges.
