ExxonMobil Plans Seminars on IMO 2020 Sulfur Cap Readiness

ExxonMobil is holding a series of ‘Journey to 2020’ seminars around the world to help marine operators optimise vessel performance in readiness for the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2020 0.50 per cent global sulphur cap. The events will provide essential insights and help on fuels options and choosing appropriate cylinder oils, for safe and efficient vessel operation.

The first symposium will be held at the Equinox Complex in Singapore, October 26, followed by events in Hong Kong, Taipei, Athens, Tokyo, Imabari, Copenhagen and Hamburg. Confirmed dates will be announced soon, with the series continuing into the first quarter of 2019.

While ExxonMobil anticipates that the vast majority of the industry will initially choose low sulphur fuels, there is no single route to compliance. The ‘Journey to 2020’ seminars will enable operators to discuss the most practical compliance choices for them with a team of ExxonMobil experts with deep industry experience and fuels and lubricants knowledge.

These events will also provide the ideal opportunity for operators to explore the cylinder oil options that best fit their fuel choices. For the majority of vessels bunkering a 0.50 per cent sulphur fuel, a 40 BN cylinder oil will be the best choice. Vessels fitted with scrubbers will continue to burn HFO and will solely use a high BN alternative.

ExxonMobil’s innovative combination of fuels and lubricants, in combination with its efficiency-enhancing services, will support operators irrespective of their compliance choices. Options will be available for:

- Low sulphur distillates, such as marine gas oil (MGO)

- New low sulphur fuels

- Premium Emission Control Area (ECA) fuels

- The continued use of high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) in conjunction with a scrubber

- Liquefied natural gas (LNG)

“The 2020 sulphur cap will fundamentally change how the marine industry operates,” said Iain White, Global Field Engineering Manager, ExxonMobil Aviation and Marine Lubricants. “Our [seminars] will share essential information and guidance to help the marine industry safely and effectively comply with the changing emissions regulations. Backed by our extensive marine industry knowledge and expertise, operators should expect insights, advice and the opportunity for in-depth discussion with our teams to help them make the most informed choices possible ahead of 2020.”