What is IMO 2020?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced a new fuel regulation that limits sulfur emissions to 0.5% from January 1, 2020. Thus, all seagoing vessels must reduce the sulfur dioxide by 85%
What includes the regulation?
The IMO 2020 Emission Regulation means that ships must significantly reduce their emissions both on the high seas and in coastal areas. This change affects the entire shipping industry. The Regulation makes shipping more environmentally friendly.
In order to comply with Regulations, the industry will invest in low-sulfur fuels or in new technologies. In both cases, costs increase as compliant fuels and investment in new technologies are expensive.
In Northern Europe, North America and parts of Asia it is mandatory to use an even cleaner fuel with a sulfur content of 0.1%. This special fuel is more expensive and will be charged separately. The remaining areas require a maximum sulfur content of 0.5%.
If the regulation is not implemented from January 1, 2020, fines, ship arrest or even imprisonment of the captain must be expected.
As of January 1, 2020, all seagoing vessels must comply without exception with the new rules, otherwise they will face punishments.
The IMO 2020 Regulation applies to all shipments. Likewise, the fuel consumption values (Trading Factors/Bunker Adjustment Factor BAF) apply to everyone.
It cannot be excluded that refineries will not manage to produce the required quantities of low-sulfur oil in a timely manner, which may lead to a temporary increase in prices.
Some of the largest shipping companies in the world plan to equip their fleets with filter systems as a short-term solution. Furthermore, ships will switch to
liquefied natural gas (LNG). The remaining ships will switch to fuel with a 0.5% sulfur content.
DB Schenker cooperates with shipping companies that actively work on CO2 reduction and compliance with the IMO 2020. Shipping companies are developing individual solutions, such as the use of new vessels with filter systems, gas systems and new fuels.
Due to the technical innovations that have to be
implemented by the shipping companies due to the IMO 2020, higher prices are expected from the customer side. For this purpose, the freight rates are calculated by DB Schenker according to the BAF (Bunker Adjustment Formula) based on the latest price trend.
METHOD: BAF = fuel price per ton x trade factor
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