IMO 2020 promises widespread disruption
Large-scale changes in refinery operations will be just one of the major changes the new regulations will bring to the energy landscape
From 1 January 2020, international bunker fuels have needed to meet a much tighter maximum sulphur specification of 0.5pc, versus 3.5pc currently, due to the new regulations implemented by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). This change aims to effectively eliminate one of the largest sources of SOx emissions, accounting for roughly 10pc of the global total from all sources.Although exhaust gas scrubbers on ships will cover some of the requirement, along with a very limited amount of LNG bunkers, the vast majority of demand will need to change to low sulphur bunker fuels.From a refining standpoint, this will require a major shift in the blendstocks used to make marine fuels, initi
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent
