Fuel has become a major issue for managers as the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters — the so-called Polar Code — recommends not burning heavy fuel oil in the Arctic, with a ban possible.
That means using marine gasoil (MGO), diesel or hybrid technology as with Norway's Hurtigruten’s three expedition cruiseship newbuildings at Kleven Verft.
Low-sulphur fuels are “already pretty much part of the operation” in emission control areas, says Wilhelmsen Ship Management president Carl Schou, who notes that proactive owners already are preparing for future fossil fuel restrictions in Polar regions by investigating both LPG and hydrogen.
Marine gasoil in use
Jim Barreiro de Leon, president and chief executive of Cruise Management International, says all cruiseships in its fleet, including various expedition vessels, already use MGO. “We don’t burn any heavy fuel at all. People will have to get used to using low-sulphur fuel,” he says.
Barreiro de Leon does not expect many older cruiseships will undergo scrubber refits and questions speculation that the new 2020 IMO regulation will drive many smaller, older vessels to the scrapyard. Cruise Management International's investors already own several of them.
“With our newbuildings coming on line, it is not a big issue,” Barreiro de Leon says, a reference to five and potentially 10 ships for client SunStone Ships ordered in China.
Schou says all vessels in the Wilhelmsen Ship Management fleet have been delivered with scrubbers fitted in response to the 2020 IMO sulphur cap.
