Since the ban on using fuels with a sulphur content of over 0.5 % was introduced, shipping companies have saved $13 billion by adopting exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) according to Sea Intelligence.
In its latest report, the consultancy firm points out that savings were due to the difference in price between ultra-low sulphur fuels and conventional fuels.
Sea Intelligence highlights how carriers have been able to comply with the international regulations introduced by the International Maritime Organization, without necessarily having to spend more money on purchasing low-sulphur fuel.
It remains to be seen how they will deal with the new ETS, which, from January 2024, requires shipping companies to purchase and transfer permits (‘EUAs’) for every tonne of CO2eq emissions released into the atmosphere over a calendar year.
Translation by Giles Foster
