To scrub or not to scrub? That's the question
Factors affecting the answer include the vessel's age and how the prices will move on the various bunkers
IN JUST over a month, key players in the global bunker trade will be gathering in Singapore to discuss the big issues facing the global marine fuel industry - and the hottest of those issues to be discussed at the Singapore International Bunkering Conference 2018 (SiBCON) has got to be how to comply with the impending global 0.5 per cent cap on sulphur in fuel.
As mentioned more than once in this column, one way of complying with the cap is by fitting abatement technology or "scrubbers", which remove sulphur from the emission stream. Whether it is the best way for some owners will no doubt be debated both in and outside the conference hall.
There will be plenty of information available, but that won't really help shipowners make the crucial decision because the one thing is certain: Nobody really knows what will happen to the bunker market after Jan 1, 2018.
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Transport & Logistics
Tesla’s plan for affordable cars takes page from Detroit rivals
Toyota is investing US$1.4 billion to build another all-electric SUV in US
Airbus net profit soars 28% in first quarter
AirAsia discloses new listing plans under RM6.8 billion units merger
Baltimore’s trapped ships start leaving as new channel opens
S&P slashes Boeing credit outlook as rating hovers above junk status