IMO2020 update: fuel prices and carriage ban
On January 1, 2020, IMO2020 came into effect under IMO’s MARPOL treaty limiting sulphur emissions from ocean fuel to 0.5%.
For further context, please read:
- Cole’s assessment on the impacts of IMO2020.
- Our in-depth analysis of the context of this regulation.
Since January, there have been a couple of developments we wanted to bring you up to speed on.
Fuel prices
One of the major fears following the implementation of IMO2020 was the impact on fuel prices and the availability of low-sulphur fuels.
According to JOC.com, VLSO (very low sulphur fuel oil) prices spiked from mid-December 2019 through early January 2020. However, the fuel prices appear to be correcting as the transition progresses and its initial logistical issues—last-minute fuel orders, getting supplies in the tank, barge availability— get resolved.
One week into the new regulations, the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), assessed the price of VLSFO in Singapore (January 8) at $740 per metric ton. Sixteen trading days later, OPIS assessed that market at $570/mt, a 23% drop.
Thus far, the supply of low-sulphur fuel has not been an issue.
March 1 carriage ban
The new 0.5% regulation went into effect on January 1; however, as of March 1’s carriage ban, even ships found storing non-compliant fuel will be in violation of IMO2020.
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) amendment prohibits the carrying of non-compliant fuel oil for combustion purposes for propulsion or operation on board a ship—unless the ship has an approved exhaust gas cleaning system ("scrubber") fitted.
The carriage ban is an additional measure meant to ensure compliance and consistent implementation of the IMO2020 reduction of sulphur.
And it is now being enforced. Port enforcement agencies around the world have beefed up their oversight, detaining and penalizing ships found to be carrying non-compliant fuel.
Read more about the carriage ban here.
Cole is Your Trusted International Shipping Resource
We have been monitoring developments of IMO2020’s implementation and its impacts on shippers worldwide. Contact us today to see how we can optimize your freight needs in the new low-sulphur fuel environment.
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