VLSFO stands for Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil. It is an alternative marine fuel that meets the IMO 2020 standards for marine fuel. VLSFO is part of the transition toward cleaner marine fuels, contributing to environmental sustainability in the shipping industry.
VLSFO offers several benefits for the maritime industry:
- Environmental Compliance: VLSFO complies with the IMO 2020 regulations, which mandate a maximum sulphur content of 0.50% in marine fuels. By using VLSFO, ships reduce their emissions of harmful Sulphur oxides (SOx), contributing to cleaner air and minimizing environmental impact.
- Reduced Sulphur Emissions: Compared to traditional high-Sulphur fuels, VLSFO significantly lowers Sulphur emissions. This reduction helps protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities from air pollution.
- Improved Air Quality: VLSFO’s lower Sulphur content leads to decreased emissions of particulate matter and SOx. Cleaner air quality benefits both crew members on board and residents in port cities.
- Compatibility with Existing Engines: VLSFO can be used in existing ship engines with minimal modifications. This adaptability allows vessels to transition smoothly to the new fuel without major investments in engine upgrades.
- Global Availability: VLSFO is widely available at major ports worldwide, ensuring a reliable supply for vessels operating across different regions.
- Cost-Effective: While VLSFO is generally more expensive than high-sulphur fuels, it remains cost-effective when compared to other compliant options like marine gas oil (MGO). Shipowners can balance compliance with operational costs.
- Reduced Black Carbon: VLSFO emits less black carbon (soot) than heavy fuel oil (HFO). This reduction contributes to mitigating climate change and supports efforts to limit global warming.
