0.50% S fuel operation 2020

This paper provides information and guidance on 0.50% S fuel operation and how to prepare for the change from operation on high-sulphur fuel to 0.50% S fuel. Attention is drawn to specific fuel properties that should be in focus and how 0.50% S fuels affect the equipment on board. Expectations for the new types of fuels are given, and information on biofuels, fuel testing, and fuels that are not fit for purpose is also included.

1 January 2020, the global sulphur (S) limit on marine fuels will be reduced from 3.50% to 0.50% S. The decision, which has a major impact on the marine industry, was taken in 2016 at the 70th session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70). Operators have the following three options for operation in global waters outside emission control areas:

–operate on max. 0.50% S fuel

–operate a dual fuel engine on liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied ethane (LEG), methanol or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or

Continue operating on high sulphur heavy fuel oil (HSHFO) and apply an approved equivalent mean to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions in the exhaust,
e.g. an exhaust gas scrubber.