BP introducing new MARPOL-compliant marine fuel

BP Marine has announced that it will begin to retail low sulphur fuel that meets new MARPOL regulations limiting the sulphur content of marine fuels. BP is introducing a new very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), with a maximum 0.5% sulphur content, following successful sea trials with fuel manufactured and supplied by BP in the Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Antwerp (ARA) and Singapore hubs.

Working closely with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), customers and partners, BP has developed a marine fuel offer that includes this new VLSFO along with marine gas oil and also high sulphur fuel oil for vessels that are equipped with scrubbers. BP intends to retail the new 0.5% sulphur VLSFO globally.

“BP supports the ambitions of MARPOL to reduce air pollution from ships and we have been actively working with partners to prepare for its introduction. We have undertaken a comprehensive test campaign, conducting ship-board trials of our new very low sulphur fuel. Following the success of these sea trials, and working closely with our customers, we believe we now have a robust commercial offer that will support customers in complying with MARPOL,” said Eddie Gauci, global head, BP Marine.

In order to manufacture a full range of IMO 2020-compliant marine fuels, BP’s refineries have made a number of configuration changes to support the segregation, handling and storage of the fuels.

Fuel oil demand is expected to drop, following implementation of the MARPOL regulations next year as the IMO’s global marine fuels sulfur limit drops from 3.5% to 0.5%. Most of the shipping industry is expected to switch from burning fuel oil to cleaner, more expensive alternatives toward the end of this year.