IMO says global sulphur emissions have come down drastically since 2020 cap

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) tweets that since the global 0.50% sulphur cap came into force on 1 January 2020, there has been a 77% drop in global sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships.
PHOTO: Bunkering of a bulk carrier. Getty Images

This means that 8.5 million mt/year of SOx emissions have been prevented from billowing out of smoke stacks on ships.

Sulphur emissions from shipping have been reduced through uptake of the new VLSFO grade, which was introduced in the lead-up to 2020 and quickly grew to become the dominant fuel grade in most big global bunkering hubs. Higher uptake of the 0.10% sulphur ULSFO and LSMGO grades has also contributed to lower emissions.

The cap has spurred interest in alternative fuels with limited to no sulphur emissions such as LNG or biofuels, while ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol are emerging as new energy sources to comply with upcoming greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The IMO’s Marine and Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is working on a “basket of mid-term measures” such as a global GHG fuel standard and market-based measures such as carbon pricing towards its 50% GHG reduction goal by 2050.

The IMO is expected to adopt a revised version of its initial GHG strategy next summer.

By Konica Bhatt

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