2020 Ocean Sulphur Change
Even if ships have always been the most sustainable transport mode for goods and commodities, ships becoming even more energy efficient, they use heavy fuel oil containing sulphur. SOx are known to be harmful to human health. Limiting SOx emissions from ships improves air quality and protects the environment. IMO regulations on energy efficiency support the demand for greener and cleaner shipping. IMO regulations to reduce SOx emissions from ships came into force in 2005. Ocean carriers have upgraded engines, bought lighter bunker and implemented surcharges like LSS or LSF. From 1/1/20, the limit for sulphur in bunker will be reduced to 0.5% (currently at 3.5% with some specific areas already at 0.1%). This will significantly reduce the amount of SOx and should have major health and environmental benefits. A ship which is more energy efficient burns less fuel so emits less air pollution.
A 2016 study to IMO estimated that by not reducing the SOx limit for ships from 2020, the air pollution from ships would contribute to more than half million premature deaths worldwide between 2020-2025.
Let’s be prepare to some increases in the LSS or LSF surcharges in early 2020 and maybe late 2019.
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