Page 16 - European Energy Innovation - autumn 2019 publication

16 Autumn 2019 European Energy Innovation

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING

Big Waves to Surf

By Malte Siegert, expert for shipping and ports at German environmental NGO NABU (Nature and
Biodiversity Conversavation Union)

The maritime business in times of sulphur cap 2020, digitisation and upcoming designation of
new emission control areas (ECA)
From January 1st 2020 the
maritime business world postponed and the current situation, 2016. Now they will have to catch the
will change fundamentally. with its maximum sulphur limit of 3.5 wave and surf it as best as possible.
Some people say the changes percent in international waters, will However, not all the consequences
remain – at best forever. But that is of the new IMO regulation are easy

may be comparable to the invention not likely to happen. to predict: a price for new kinds of

of fax or email. Others still ignore fuels for use from January 2020 was

the upcoming development, hoping There will be enough for all still unavailable as late as the end
perhaps that it represents more of a The wave of change will come. of July 2019 . That is why shipping

regular high tide rather than a giant But it is not some unforeseen companies have neither bought nor

wave; and wishing the discussion tsunami following an unpredictable locked in prices for compliant fuel.

would disappear. They seem to earthquake: maritime business, Furthermore, it remains to be seen

believe the new IMO regulation on crude oil producers and refineries are whether shipping companies will

global sulphur cap 0.5 will not come professionals; and they have all had prefer to buy a real 0.5 high quality

into force next year, that it will be time to see the signs from as far back distillate, or if they will go for blends

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