COSCO Shipping Lines, one of the world’s three largest ocean carriers, has announced the signing of a supply agreement with Double Rich Limited for IMO-compliant low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO).
On January 1, 2020, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will introduce a global cap that limits the sulphur content in marine fuels to no more than 0.5%, a move which has forced shipping lines to change their practices.
The fuel from Double Rich Limited will comply with the new regulations, as well as helping COSCO fleets to better fulfil the amendment of Annex VI in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
Dr. Bryan Comer discusses the risks of heavy fuel oil in a recent Port Technology technical paper
In addition to this, COSCO has committed itself to applying diverse and advanced emission reduction technologies as a way of realizing green shipping.
Of the innovations which the carrier is currently exploring, through research and development activities, “ship desulphurisation technology” is considered key to improving the company’s environmental performance.
MSC Prepares for IMO 2020 Challenge #PTIDaily SEE MORE: https://t.co/l5ZcwgvnhL@MSCCargo @IMOHQ #shipping #carriers #environment pic.twitter.com/vkWfeGwxEf
— Port Technology (PTI) (@PortTechnology) December 3, 2018
This project will involve a pilot installation of scrubbers on two COSCO vessels, before the devices are expanded to further container vessel fleets.
COSCO has also stated that it will comprehensively follow all international conventions that may be introduced in the future, pursue greener operations and cooperate with major fuel suppliers around the globe.