News / Fines for breaking new ECA zone sulphur rule won't match the higher fuel cost

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From January 1 2015, the maximum sulphur content in bunker fuel permitted in the ECA zones of north Europe and the Baltic Sea will reduce from 1% to just 0.1% – forcing ship operators to switch to more expensive fuel.

The switch from tanks of IFO380 to low-sulphur marine gas oil (MGO), based on today’s prices, will cost operators up to $300 per tonne more.

Hitherto, discussion has centred on the challenge facing carriers to successfully pass this cost on to shippers. ...