Energy major Shell’s global marine fuels network has mapped out where shipowners and operators may be able to obtain its very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) from 2020, which will enable them to meet the IMO’s incoming tougher emissions regulations.
Shell has provided a table of key bunkering ports worldwide which shows its 0.5% VLSFO will be available in 12 ports globally.
In the Americas Shell details that these will include Freeport, New Orleans and Houston on the US Gulf Coastal area.
For Europe the major says it will offer its VLSFO in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Barcelona, Pireaus and the Danish strait.
Shell says VLSFO will be available ex-wharf only in Furjairah in the Middle East, at Durban and Richards Bay in South Africa and in Mauritius.
In Asia the major currently lists just one location – Singapore where it will supply VLSFO from 2020.
At all other ports on its list Shell has ticked the "not applicable" box for VLSFO.
The table reveals where other fuels, including Shell’s ultra low fuel oil (ULSFO) which has a sulphur content of less than 0.1% and its 0.5% sulphur content marine gas oil (MGO), will be provided.
Shell’s availability table also shows where its different grades of heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil can be supplied from 2020.
No price details of the products have been included.
The major said last month that it is currently undertaking trials of its VLSFO with customers in Rotterdam, Singapore and New Orleans.
Along with its VLSFO product, Shell is also pushing LNG as marine bunkers saying it can be “a cost competitive fuel choice.”
This week Shell Shipping & Maritime vice president Grahaeme Henderson said Shell has a “clear vision into 2020”
“We will be prepared, and we can help shipowners and charterers be prepared, too," Henderson said.
