Speaking with IHS Markit, Maritime and Trade, Jerome Leprince-Ringuet, Managing Director of Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions (TMFGS), explains that while TMFGS have developed and tested products for the upcoming IMO 2020 regulation, its customers are not consistently matching the same level of preparation, stating, “globally, I feel that the shipping industry is not prepared”.
Mr Leprince-Ringuet voiced his concerns that customers didn’t seem to be fully engaging with the immanence of the IMO 2020 regulation which he subsequently inferred could be due to the lack of clarity surrounding compliant fuel availability, stating:
“Given how soon the IMO 2020 regulation enters into force, it is very surprising to us that we are not receiving more calls from our customers asking for more detailed information on how the global cap will impact them. We fear that the lack of clarity around which products are coming onto market is leaving customers a little lost as to how to plan effectively.”
Mr Leprince-Ringuet wanted to ensure current and prospective customers that TMFGS will be offering several different qualities of Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) all of which will comply with the ISO 8217 Fuel Standard for Marine Distillate Fuels, with premium versions available for those interested in fuels that perform beyond the ISO 8217 specification.
Lubricant choice goes hand-in-hand with fuel choice, and low and zero sulphur fuels bring with them their own lubrication challenges. Total Lubmarine is working closely with partner TMFGS to support the customer journey towards 2020.
“When it comes to 2020 and fuel choice, there is no single right solution,” said Serge Dal Farra, Global Marketing Manager at Total Lubmarine. “However, we would recommend that any ship operator works closely with a trusted bunker supplier. Total is an integrated group which provides expertise and assets in refining, trading, LNG, bunkers and of course lubricants.”
Mr Leprince-Ringuet’s full interview with IHS Markit, Maritime and Trade, can be read here.
To see our full range of marine cylinder oils compatible with the upcoming IMO regulation, click here.