Gunvor has been granted permission by the Netherland, to install a a fuel upgrading unit at its refinery in Rotterdam, ahead of the new, stricter rules regarding shipping fuels.
The new rules by the IMO, will into effect in 2020, want to reduce sulphur emissions produced by ships, thus posing a new challenge for the shipping industry.
In this context, the Netherlands, gave the green light to Gunvor, to build the new facility, without having to conduct an environmental assessment. This facility will give the ability to the refinery to transform high sulphur fuel into other types of fuels, Reuters reported. Gunvor’s refinery features a total capacity of 88,000 barrels per day.
However, Gunvor is not sure if it will build the unit, as it examines a number of option to comply best with the IMO rules. However, the company is already taking measures to adhere to the new regulations.
Europe’s refineries do not seem prepared for the new rules, with experts saying that if some do not adapt, it is possible that they will face problems in the future.
