According to a study published by the German Shipowners’ Association (Verband Deutscher Reeder,VDR) most of the German ships will use low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) from January 1, in order to follow with the IMO’s 2020 regulation “Global sulphur cup“.
Specifically, the survey showed that about 81% of the German companies will be using the LSFO with a sulphur content of 0.5 percent from 2020, while on the other hand a 11% will further continue the use of the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) and scrubbers.
Germany’s maritime industry has carefully prepared for this enormous change. It ushers in a new era in maritime shipping, signalling the end of heavy fuel oil.
…as the CEO of VDR, Ralf Nagel announced.
Furthermore, a 6% of the respondents announced that they will continue using other fuels with a sulphur content of 0.1 percent, such as those prescribed for Emission Control Areas in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. As after 2020, the study presented that a 2% from the German Navy will run on LNG.
As the German shipping companies noted, the greatest challenges they afraid will face from now on, are some technical problems during operations, the new fuel’s cost and the issue of cost repayment by third parties, specifically the customers. A further difficulty that concerns the companies is also the fuel’s availability.
There are many who fear that the new fuels could cause technical problems during operation – problems that could also have financial consequences. We therefore call on all stakeholders to be as committed and flexible as possible in preparing for the changeover, to ensure that it will become a success story.
… Ralf Nagel continued.
The CEO of VDR commented that the fuel’s changeover preparations will cost about €7.5 million ($8.3 million) to each shipping company. Meaning that the individual, medium-sized companies will make a worth-mentioned financial effort to comply with the “IMO 2020” changeover regulation.
Of enormous importance for us is the fact that this is a worldwide regulation, one that everybody is compelled to implement.
…Ralf Nagel reported.
Concluding with the IMO 2020 deadline nears, the VDR hopes that all of the flag states and the customers of the shipping companies will make sure that the new rules are complied, and will collaborate in order to success towards this change.
You many view VDR’s press release in the PDF herebelow