An Issue of Sulf-Deprecation

Throughout the past decade, the worldwide fuel de-sulfurization effort has permeated many industries, not the least of which is shipping. Although still highly regionalized, the upcoming changes to marine fuel specifications in North America and the North and Baltic Seas have many shipowners, especially those with spot market exposure, rightfully concerned about the impact to their collective bottom lines. Emission Control Areas, or ECAs, that effectively restrict the amount of sulfur and particulate matter emitted by ships geographically, are in the process of being ratified in stages by the International Maritime Organization. While it is true that the Worldscale system makes a special provision for the additional costs associated with calling ports subject to stricter fuel specifications, the rigidity of the remuneration process could likely still leave many exposed. Download here