The IMO 2020 Shift: What You Need to Know About Low Sulphur Fuel

Posted on May 22, 2025 at 11:05 PM

Since January 2020, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) announced a mandatory regulation in the maritime shipping industry to manage and organise low sulphur fuel oil used by ships.

Moreover, the low sulphur diesel fuel regulation aims to reduce the cap on sulphur in fuel from 3.5% to 0.5% in all marine fuel oils to gain the great environmental and sustainable safety benefits from this sulfur fuel oil regulation.

In this article, we will share with you all the important and updated details about the low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO), different types of sulfur marine fuels, how ships could comply with the LSFO rule, and what major expected benefits from these marine fuel regulations.

What Is Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (LSFO)?

The called Low Sulphur Fuel Oil, or LSFO, is a type of marine fuel with a sulphur content of 0.5% level or less, developed by blending different refinery streams to create marine fuels that meet the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 2020 rules on sulphur emissions.

There are many impacts from the implementation of low sulphur fuel oil guidance, including not having to use exhaust gas clean operating systems by ships and vessels following this marine fuel law.

Furthermore, the use of low sulfur fuel oil is mandatory for all ships and workers in the maritime industry, including the charter party, ship owners, and port operators.

Types of Low Sulphur Fuels:

There are many developed types of low sulfur diesel fuels that ships and vehicles could use in their energy-producing process, while following the IMO referred regulations and guidelines in all countries:

Low Sulphur Fuel Oils (LSFOs): A marine gasoline type with a sulphur content below 1%.
Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oils (VLSFOs): The VLSFO is a fuel oil with a sulphur content of 0.5% or less, used in response to the heavy force of IMO regulations.
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesels (ULSDs): This ultra diesel fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 15 parts per million (ppm).

What Must Ships Do to Comply with the IMO Low Sulphur Fuel Regulations?

To comply with the IMO low sulphur fuel regulations and toxic properties, a vessel must use marine fuels with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.5%, with very low sulfur or ultra sulfur oils.

This could also be done by being equipped with approved exhaust gas cleaning systems or gas distillates to remove residual sulphur.

Additionally, the ships and vessels are demand to maintain proper documentation reports to read, with notes and fuel and gas changeover procedures, do regular fuel sampling tests to reach required published pollution levels, limit engine failure issues, and update fuel systems and lines when required.

What Are the Main Benefits of Low Sulphur Fuels?

Now, to the focal point of our article, it is time to talk about the benefits of low sulfur diesel fuel based on the shipping training courses in London for all parties involved in the maritime industry:

Protect Human Health:

Low sulfur diesel fuel reduces sulphur oxide levels, leading to reduced impacts on human health with cleaner air in coastal and other areas. This result is important for port workers and nearby residential and commercial communities.

Comply with Environmental Regulations:

The IMO 2020 regulations are mandatory ones for everyone in the shipping industry, thus, boats and ships need to use the alternative low sulfur fuel to avoid fines or sanctions, show a growing commitment to sustainable operations, and cover the required emission percentage from container tanks and vessels.

Reduce Emissions:

The whole goal of starting the LSFO IMO regulation solutions is to reduce or cut down sulfur oxide (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and particulate matter emissions to help establish better global air quality and reduce acid rain.

Low Environmental Pollutants:

Sulfur fuel oils produce fewer harmful residues and pollutants during combustion and shipping, which leads to a lower environmental footprint of bunker steaming in maritime activities and protects the marine environment.

Improve Engine Efficiency:

Clean oil fuels, including low sulfur diesel fuels, burn cleaner, leading to more efficient engine performance, lower maintenance needs, and a longer equipment lifecycle.

Able to Use Advanced Technologies:

All the modern engines and emission control technologies require and work better with cleaner oil fuels, therefore, using low sulfur fuel oil supports the use of innovation and operational upgrades in the shipping industry.

Finally,

The low sulphur fuel is a high-quality fuel oil that is becoming popular among shipping companies and operators to benefit from all the great advantages and unique qualities.

However, understanding all the included sulfur content is vital to be able to use it and implement the needed equipment without facing any losses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO)?

Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (LSFO) is a marine fuel with a sulphur content of 0.5% or less, in compliance with IMO 2020 regulations. It is produced by blending refinery streams to reduce sulphur emissions during vessel operations, contributing to cleaner marine transportation.

2. Why did the IMO introduce the 0.5% sulphur cap?

The IMO 2020 regulation aims to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships to improve global air quality, reduce acid rain, and protect human health—particularly in port areas and coastal regions.

3. What are the different types of low sulphur marine fuels?

LSFO: Sulphur content below 1%
VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil): ≤ 0.5% sulphur
ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel): Up to 15 ppm sulphur
These fuels help ships comply with IMO’s emission control areas (ECAs) and global standards.

4. How can ships comply with IMO 2020 fuel rules?

Ships can comply by:

Using VLSFO or ULSD
Installing exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers)
Keeping detailed fuel-switching procedures and documentation
Performing regular fuel sampling and engine system checks
These steps are critical to pass inspections and avoid penalties.

5. What are the benefits of using low sulphur fuels in the maritime sector?

Health protection: Cleaner air for crew and port communities
Regulatory compliance: Avoiding fines and operational disruption
Lower emissions: SOx, NOx, and PM reduction
Improved engine efficiency and less maintenance
Support for advanced engine technologies and retrofits

6. Are there training programs to help maritime professionals understand LSFO compliance?

Yes. Institutions like London Premier Maritime Academy and other maritime training centers offer specialized courses on IMO 2020, LSFO usage, engine compatibility, and regulatory documentation practices, especially for marine engineers, port inspectors, and fleet managers.

7. Can LSFO be used in all ship types?

In most cases, yes—but fuel compatibility should be assessed. Some older engines may need system flushing or minor modifications before switching to LSFO. It’s also important to ensure lubricity and stability of the new fuel blend.

8. What happens if a vessel fails to comply with the IMO sulphur cap?

Non-compliant ships may face:

Fines or detainment at ports
Loss of charter contracts
Damage to reputation
Therefore, proactive compliance through fuel use, proper documentation, and crew training is critical.

9. Does low sulphur fuel reduce fuel efficiency or performance?

Not necessarily. In fact, many LSFO variants are cleaner-burning, which helps reduce engine wear, lower carbon buildup, and extend equipment lifespan, especially when combined with advanced emission technologies.