Foreguard Shipping managing director Alan Hatton expects operators of smaller-size ships to face less IMO 2020 volatility as few such vessels will be scrubber-fitted.
This is in contrast to the larger-size segments, where scrubber-equipped vessels may or may not have the competitive edge over vessels that will run on low-sulphur fuel.
Speaking at a Moore Stephens forum in Singapore, Hatton said the smaller-size sectors are somewhat insulated as most vessels that operate in these markets will not be fitted with scrubbers.
“Almost all the ships in the sectors we operate in will run on compliant fuel. There will be much more of a level playing field,” he said.
Foreguard’s fleet comprises four handysize product tankers, two small LPG carriers and an anchor handling tug supply vessel.
“It didn’t make sense for us to fit scrubbers on these ships,” Hatton explained.
