The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) global sulphur cap is less than two months away, and many vessel operators are moving from a phase of preparation towards implementation. New 0.50% sulphur fuels have been developed, and low BN cylinder oils are entering the market.

However, we know from conversations with operators that they still have questions and concerns. This is hardly surprising, as we’re about to undergo a period of unparalleled change. Operators will therefore want the best possible insights and guidance, as any mistakes in planning and execution risk non-compliance fines, reputational damage and costly operational issues.

With so many new fuel formulations entering the market, quality is a key concern. Proper fuel handling, storage, treatment and use will help minimise challenges in switching to new fuels. But operators will need to be vigilant to ensure they quickly identify any issues before serious problems take hold.

As a first step, operators should establish best practices for both fuel procurement and on-board handling, as prevention is always better than cure. That’s why ExxonMobil has introduced its EMF.5™ range of fuels, which help ensure compliance without compromising on quality or performance.

Operators should buy fuels that meet the latest ISO 8217:2017 specification whenever possible, as they offer a greater level of transparency compared to previous versions. Operators should also clean out tank residues prior to the IMO deadline as they are likely to contain heavy fuel oil (HFO) sediment, which could contain high levels of sulphur. If not removed, HFO sediment could contaminate compliant fuel, pushing its sulphur content above the 0.50% limit.

Read the full write up from Bunkerspot here.