This year’s Nor-Shipping event in Oslo once again featured a roundtable hosted by ExxonMobil and Bunkerspot. The topic – ‘The last leg of the journey: is the industry ready for IMO 2020?’ – generated a lively and informative debate that shed new light on how the maritime industry is preparing for a low sulphur future.

The event was chaired by Bunkerspot’s editor, Lesley Bankes-Hughes, with contributions from leading industry figures including procurement professionals, legal and technical experts and engine builders. Key areas of debate included possible fuel options, the use of scrubbers (exhaust gas cleaning systems) and how to manage the cost of compliance.

“Our roundtable discussion clearly demonstrated that the marine industry is taking decisive action to manage the impact of the IMO 0.50 percent sulphur cap,” said Luca Volta, Marine Fuels Venture Manager, ExxonMobil. “We all drilled down into the details around preparedness in its broader meaning, including fuel selection and lubricant choices. We’ve clearly moved on from the high level debates of last year into a more thorough examination of the day-to-day realities related to the revised emission regulations.”

The discussion also covered on-board fuel handling, ways to avoid compatibility problems, the need for quality fuels and lubricants and strategies for engine management. Attendees then discussed the possible implications of non-compliance and the use of FONARs.

“With less than six months until the IMO sulphur cap comes into force, it was reassuring to hear that the marine industry has grasped the magnitude of the challenges and is acting accordingly,” said Steve Walker, Global Marine Equipment Builder Manager, ExxonMobil.

Keep an eye out for the full write-up in Bunkerspot.