The term "Environmental Footprint" is becoming increasingly more important to vessel operators all over the world. Most often the term "Green Fuel" refers to low sulphur intermediate fuels (IFO's) as well as low sulphur distillate fuels (MGO and MDO).

Most operators are aware of the Emission Control Areas that already are in effect i Europe/Baltics, and that extra care has to be taken when entering these areas. Other areas will soon follow, and in the long term high sulphur fuels will surely be phased out in most of the world and replaced by "greener" fuels.

Several ship operators are turning towards "greener fuels" as they encounter less problems, and gain a greener company profile. The price difference between the high and low sulphur fuels can often be marginal, while the reduction in SOx and NOx emissions can be substantial. In addition, an increasing amount of companies transporting goods around the globe turns to companies with a "green fuels" programme. The cruise industry in general is also currently experiencing that their passengers is becoming more interested in the operators environmental profile when booking their cruise.

Switching between high and low sulphur fuels is no easy task for vessels not specifically designed for this purpose, and the total cost of switching fuel can easily take out much of the savings earned. Cost factors of switching fules includes: modificaitons to the fuel system, more frequent sampling program, shorter intervals on lube oil changes the use of Urea to reduce emissions is one out of many steps taken by ship owners to reduce their emissions, this is also reducing emission taxes imposed on fuels in defined areas.

Scandinavian Bunkering can assist in voyage planning, helping to find the best ports for bunkering low sulphur fuels as well as advise on where low sulphur fuels are available. We can also supply urea in ports where this is available.

Let us assist you in making your profile "greener"!