As scrubber-installed fleets continue to grow, reports of HSFO non-availability have started to appear; shipowners are advised to plan bunkering ops in advance to avoid procurement issues.

As the value of Euronav’s 0.5% oil stocks fall below cost, the company has been buying 0.5% fuel in the open market to supply its fleet while writing down the value of its stock.

Low Sulphur Surcharge no longer relevant with effect from 1 May, 2020 due to current price of VLSFO, states CMA CGM; however charges may still revert at a later date.

713 mt of LSFO produced by Sinopec Guangzhou cleared the export division of Huangpu Customs, and was supplied to international vessels docked at Port of Guangzhou.

0.5% sulphur cap will apply for Taiwanese international and domestic vessels by 1 July 2020, even though it is not a member of the IMO, states government.

MSC Joanna scrubber installation was delayed following the COVID-19 pandemic which forced Chinese shipyards to close for an extended period of time, it explains.

Ban lessens the chances of investments being undercut by less scrupulous operators looking to burn non-compliant fuels.

Months into sulphur cap implementation, all four shipping associations remain cautiously optimistic and urge all stakeholders to uphold their responsibilities.

Maritime insurer discusses potential commercial disputes it foresees post IMO 2020, and outlines response parameters for legal costs covers.

Shortages due to VLSFO not stabilising in vessel pipes, resulting in inaccurate readings - shipowners are advised to appoint a Bunker Quantity Surveyor.

‘In 2020, we plan to increase the share of ultra- and low-sulphur marine fuels in total sales up to 50%,’ says CEO.

Reminds shipping industry that carriage ban is meant to support consistent implementation of the sulphur cap.

P&I club outlines clarifications on SPRO Agreement and oil booming requirements through China MSA document.

‘High-sulphur resid was replaced by VLSFO sales in Panama, because VLSFO sells at a discount to MGO,’ reports Argus Media.

Production and export of LSFO aimed at reducing inventory of HFO and increasing profits, reports Sinopec News Network.

Lower demand and improved supply logistics for LSFO main factors behind the narrowing of price premium over HSFO.

LSFO production meant to gain greater market share in the international marine fuel market, says the company.

Survey aims to further understand the quality of new compliant fuel oils and possible safety implications of IMO 2020 fuels.

Inatech’s ‘Smart Trader’ is a complete end-to-end system for optimising fleet mapping and fuel procurement efficiently.

Consulting firm discusses strategies refiners are executing after IMO 2020 implementation, and changes to be expected ahead.

Reports note a remarkable increase in LNG sales that more than tripled alongside the expected surge in VLSFO sales post IMO 2020.

Reporting agency assesses split in U.S. demand for VSLFO, MGO and HSFO grades since the introduction of IMO 2020.

Welcomes EU climate change ambition by outlining eight points where it can work with the shipping industry.

ING economist outlines factors and implications behind unexpected outcomes in the marine fuel product markets post IMO 2020.

IMO must ‘not entertain any arguments calling for a delay or exemptions’ in implementation of Arctic HFO ban, says Dr Sian Prior.

Policy briefing Ammonia: zero-carbon fertiliser, fuel and energy store focuses on future use of zero-carbon ammonia and its opportunities.

Papers submitted to PPR7 questioning use of scrubbers as alternative compliance mechanisms for IMO 2020 regulations.

Ince & Co. outline implications of current de-bunkering malpractices that have arisen, and how to safely navigate the upcoming carriage ban.

Refiners running more intermediate feedstocks as IMO 2020 fuel specs leave ready supply of alternatives to tight sour crude supplies.

Preparations since 2008 pay off and supply of VLSFO to Russian domestic market alone expected to exceed 1.5 million tons.

While VLSFO seems to be stabilising, report cautions industry as consequences from off-spec VLSFOs are much more serious than HSFO.

Although gas scrubbers are considered acceptable to meet IMO2020’s SOx emission rules, it is not globally accepted in all states.

HSFO carriage ban effective from 1 March is an attempt to ensure transparency and that ships are not unjustly penalised.

Points to several studies showing producing and burning LSFO increases carbon emissions, whereas gas scrubbers save money and the environment.

Range is directed at providing the industry with tools to obtain additional assurance that suppliers are providing compliant, stable fuel.

10%-15% of total ocean-going freight capacity will employ scrubbers in 2020; difference in freight rates will be main variable to determine optimal investment pay-off period.

Several large globally operating shipping and bunkering companies reporting a surprisingly smooth transition to the 0.5%sulphur limit for marine fuels.

Price level of VLSFO declines from the all-time high of USD 740 per mt on 7 January to USD 641 per mt on 22 January, the largest drop seen in Singapore.

9% of low sulphur fuel samples in the Americas analysed between 1 December to 13 January found to be off spec for issues, including engine-damaging sediment, says FOBAS.

VLSFO and LSHFO usage will contribute to a massive increase of Black Carbon emissions which represent 7% to 21% of shipping’s overall GHG equivalent impact on the climate.

Dr Daniel Lack says cost-cutting group of oil refiners using residual fuel blends could send ship-source black carbon emissions soaring overnight.

Development is intended to boost country's ambitions to create a bunkering hub to rival Singapore marine refuelling market, says analyst.

From 1 January 2020, all UAE flagged and foreign flagged vessels entering UAE waters are to use 0.5% sulphur limit fuel oil; with exemptions for scrubbers and other fuels.

MEBC to be held on 5-6 February in Dubai will offer expert assessment on the impact of IMO 2020 sulphur regulation on both Middle East and global markets.

Australia issues regulations for implementation of IMO 2020 premised on a policy of strict compliance.

The Standard Club advises members with ships fitted with scrubbers and calling at the Port of Karachi to take note of the attached circular and comply with local regulations.

Prices for compliant fuels such as very-low sulphur fuel oil and marine gas oil rose quickly initially but now appear to be stabilising.

6,190 dwt bunker vessel Straits Energy delivers LSFO shipment to dedicated storage tanks at Southpoint Terminal.

Emphasis placed on requirements entering into force on 1 March 2020, prohibiting the carriage of non-compliant fuel for use on ships not equipped with EGCSs.

The Standard Club provides a summary of key points for IMO 2020 enforcement in Chinese waters by local port state authorities.

Significant investments needed to decarbonise shipping can only be expected to happen if there is a long term commercially viable business case.

8,267 t dwt mv Donau will be equipped with a small prefabricated, pre-installed, ‘plug and play’ EGCS housed in a 20 ft road transportable casing.

Three permanent LNG bunker vessels operating in port to date, with further four LNG bunkering specialists owning LNG bunkering licence.

Singapore’s swelling inventory has not prevent shortages, but constraints in bunker delivery infrastructure during the transition to low-sulphur fuels remain a concern.

Sales of low-sulphur fuels, including LSFO and MGO LS, rose by 51% month-on-month in December to 3,127 kilo mt, compared to the 1,271 kilo mt of HSFO sold in the same month.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line and National Iranian Tanker Company are both cooperating to secure avails of low sulphur fuel, says IRSOU spokesman Yahya Ziaei.

SMART ESM monitors regulated water quality parameters PAH, Turbidity, Temperature and pH, on open-loop, closed-loop and hybrid scrubber systems.

In the event of unavailability of compliant fuel, members are required to document and evidence all steps taken to achieve compliance (Regulation 18.2.1.2).

Chinese maritime authorities have caught at least three vessels using marine fuel that exceeds International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.

‘The Alfa Laval Service Agreement will help us safeguard long-term performance, for example by using data analysis to keep systems performing at their peak,’ says Dr. Loukas Barmparis.

Bunker One will have the exclusive rights to purchase 100% of Vertex's Marrero, Louisiana refinery's marine fuel production until December 2029.

Monthly estimated demand of 30,000 mt of LSFO for coastal ships plying on India’s eastern coastal route are not met, say local bunker suppliers.

Company begins refuelling ships with TMS type A eco-friendly fuel (low-viscosity marine fuel) produced by the Novokuybyshevsky Oil Refinery.

For bunker producer/supplier to meet 95% confidence limit, blend target should be the limit minus 0.59R.

China’s fuel oil tax rebate may lower bunker prices, especially in Asian shipping hubs, says FIS’ Chris Hudson.

Initial exports of bunker fuel may be limited due to focus on developing domestic coastal bunker fuel market.

Delayed exhaust gas scrubber installations will further boost demand for IMO-compliant products.

Sulphur content issues, redelivery, and charterparty disputes among the most common problems encountered.

‘We need to pay close attention and maintain our focus on compliance as we move toward a stable path.’

CEO Yukikazu Myochin addresses the need for the company to continue studies on new technologies such as Kite energy.

The price levels for VLSFO and LS MGO have risen respectively by 30% and 24% from start of December.

Shippers need to make sure they understand exactly what they are being asked to pay extra for by carriers.

Test samples of 0.5% sulphur fuel produced from blending process found to have 0.16 to 0.21% m/m.

Full impact of IMO 2020 is likely to be felt in March, once the current global stockpile of LSFO has dwindled.

HPCL has produced the first batch of VLSFO from its Visakh Refinery ahead from IMO 2020 January 1 deadline.

Enforcement against vessels that narrowly exceed 0.5% VLSFO in test results may lead to legal claims.

NIOPDC to supply and distribute 0.5% low sulphur fuel oil needed for the country’s maritime IRISL fleet.

Venezuela removes references to fuel oil and crude grade and adjust royalties based on destination market.

Hanwa obtained judgement following an “Emergency Arbitration” application on 18 July 2018 to prevent the risk of dissipation by the former Singapore-based bunkering firms.

Lawyers of the ex-Regional Marine Manager of BP Singapore, the Executive Director of Pacific Prime Trading, and Deputy Public Prosecutors were present at the State Courts on Wednesday.

The Singapore Bunkering license holding entity has been renamed Vitol Bunkers (S) Pte Ltd and from 1 April 2020 all bunker deliveries will be carried out by Vitol Bunkers (S) Pte Ltd.

Seeks to enforce either arbitration clause under contract or to dismiss NuStar and TPP respective liability claims, according to documents obtained by Manifold Times.

‘We are closely monitoring the rapidly developing COVID-2019 situation while remaining committed to working with the bunkering industry to ensure minimal disruption to bunkering operations and services.’

The emergency preparedness exercise involving SCDF, PCG, MPA, and Sinanju was carried out on the LNG dual-fuel bunker tanker at Raffles Anchorage on 17 March, learned Manifold Times.