What is IMO 2020?
- Enforced on 1 January 2020 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
- Reduced the global sulfur content in marine fuels from 3.5% to 0.5% m/m.
- Designed to curb sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships worldwide.
The Purpose Behind the Regulation
- Air Quality Improvement: Lower SOx emissions reduce acid rain and coastal pollution.
- Public Health: Estimated to prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths.
- Environmental Sustainability: Supports global goals for a cleaner maritime industry.
How Shipowners Comply with IMO 2020
- Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) - ≤0.5% sulfur, most common choice.
- Marine Gas Oil (MGO): Distillate fuel alternative.
- Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Scrubbers): Enable continued use of HSFO.
- Alternative Fuels : LNG, methanol, and biofuels as emerging solutions.
Global Impact of IMO 2020
- Shift in global fuel consumption patterns (HSFO ↓, VLSFO ↑).
- Initial price volatility and market adjustments.
- Operational challenges and supply chain realignment.
IMO 2020: A First Step Toward Decarbonization
- IMO 2020 is a milestone regulation, the start of cleaner shipping.
Next targets:
- IMO 2030: Cut carbon intensity by 40%.
- IMO 2050: Cut total GHG emissions by at least 50%.
- Sets the foundation for adoption of future-ready marine fuels.
