IMO 2020 promises widespread disruption
Large-scale changes in refinery operations will be just one of the major changes the new regulations will bring to the energy landscape
From 1 January 2020, international bunker fuels have needed to meet a much tighter maximum sulphur specification of 0.5pc, versus 3.5pc currently, due to the new regulations implemented by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). This change aims to effectively eliminate one of the largest sources of SOx emissions, accounting for roughly 10pc of the global total from all sources.Although exhaust gas scrubbers on ships will cover some of the requirement, along with a very limited amount of LNG bunkers, the vast majority of demand will need to change to low sulphur bunker fuels.From a refining standpoint, this will require a major shift in the blendstocks used to make marine fuels, initi
Also in this section
10 December 2024
Sector at economic and strategic crossroads, but clear path ahead for midstream additions
30 November 2024
Decades of turmoil have left Iraq’s vast energy potential underutilised, but renewed investment and strategic reforms are transforming it into a key player in the region
29 November 2024
The country's fifth and sixth oil and gas bid rounds have attracted a range of new players with gas as well as oil ambitions—and there’s a seismic shift in the contracting process
28 November 2024
Iraq is charting a new path for its indigenous resources and its youth, hoping to electrify the future with a mix of reforms and modernisation to fuel growth
