IMO 2020 to beckon in a new reality
The new regulations are poised to change shipping markets forever. Some participants may handle the new regulatory environment better than others
IMO 2020 will radically change shipping market supply/demand dynamics. The basis of the new regulations is simple–to reduce sulphur emissions by tightening the requirements around allowable fuels any given seagoing vessel can burn. In technical terms, this means cutting sulphur content to 0.5pc, down from 3.5pc at present. High sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) demand will, in part, be forced to shift towards cleaner alternatives, namely marine gasoil and low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO). LNG is also an option, albeit uptake will be limited. Advantage West Africa A barrel of crude oil is associated with a wide variety of classifications that can range from light-sweet (thin, low sulphur) to heavy-sour (d
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic






