BAF

Shippers will shun container lines that lack transparency or overcharge for low-sulfur fuels.

European shippers have joined with leading container line analyst Drewry to bring order to the “who pays what” implementation of IMO low-sulfur fuels.

Maersk expects ample supplies of low-sulfur fuels to be available in most ports, but warns shippers to expect higher costs.

From Oct. 1 new low-sulfur fuel charges are being levied by some container lines with more to follow through Q4. Use of the fuels is not mandatory until January 1, 2020.

The price of new IMO 2020-compliant low-sulfur fuels is already 30% higher than fuels currently in use, but costs will rise further as the Jan. 1 deadline approaches, says consultant