News

Since 1 January 2020, the global upper limit on the sulphur content of ships' fuel oil has been reduced to 0.5% from 3.5% (under the so-called "IMO 2020" regulation). This is significantly reducing the amount of sulphur oxide emanating from ships and will have major health and environmental benefits, particularly for people living close to ports and coasts. Information from various sources has indicated a relatively smooth transition to the 0.50% sulphur limit. Prices for compliant fuels - very-low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) and marine gas oil (MGO) rose quickly initially but now appear to be stabilizing. Read more: IMO News

Shipowners should prepare for the potential of additional restrictions that could be enacted to fight the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus. An advisory from London law firm Hill Dickinson's shipping law team said the outbreak and subsequent rapid spread of coronavirus 2019 n-CoV, also known as Wuhan coronavirus, means the maritime industry may face restrictions. Issues may extend from infection of crew members to quarantine measures, closure of ports, and possible repercussions on charter party obligations. More Information: Shipping news to prepare

The price differential between low and high sulphur bunkers have reduced the payback time for the scrubber installations. Last week we saw a spread between $277 (Rotterdam) and $458 (Fujairah) per tonne. Price difference reduced the payback period to below six months for higher fuel-burning vessels such as VLCCs and container carriers. On average, this type of vessel can expect $30,000- $60,000 per day time-charter equivalent difference between vessels fitted with scrubbers and vessels burning a compliant fuel. Albion Marine works around the clock providing a full range of services related to scrubber retrofits:

- Technical and Commercial Feasibility Study

- 3D scanning

- Complete Engineering Package

- Yard Supervision

- Procurement and Logistic

- Installation by Riding Crew, and at anchor

- Scrubber Operation Health Check and Troubleshooting

- Monitoring Equipment Calibration and Exchange Program

- Crew Training for Scrubber Operation and Chemical Handling

A Type Approval certificate is not a guarantee for successful operation of the Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) on-board under all conditions. To fully ensure operational performance and compliance, many Flag states require that a full performance test is completed during the commissioning phase. Albion Marine Superintendents act as an Owner’s engineers, conduct pre-commissioning checks and a BWTS performance evaluation.