Ongoing Discussion at IMO and EU Levels Could Still Impact 2020 Compliance Decisions, Says Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd is still "investigating all options very closely" related to 2020 compliance solutions.

While a switch to low sulfur fuel is the most likely choice for compliance with the 0.50 percent global sulfur cap on bunkers coming into force in 2020, Hapag-Lloyd AG (Hapag-Lloyd) believes the decision could still be influenced by several issues currently under discussion at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Union (EU) levels, Wolfram Guntermann, Director of Environmental Fleet Management has told Ship & Bunker.

"Hapag-Lloyd agrees with several expert groups that for the time being shipping will most probably continue to use low sulfur fuel after 2020 until a technical and economical feasible other solution is available," said Guntermann.

"However, there are still several open topics which are being discussed on IMO and EU levels and which might influence the transformation to the new fuel usage."

As such, Hapag-Lloyd is still exploring its options for compliance in 2020.

"Hapag-Lloyd is presently investigating all options very closely but it is too early to make an educated decision," said Guntermann.

In terms of other factors that may influence Hapag-Lloyd's eventual choice of compliance solution, Guntermann echoed recent remarks make to Ship & Bunker by NORDEN, saying that the enforcement landscape in 2020 will not impact the company's decisions.

"Hapag-Lloyd is always compliant with existing laws. The way we ensure that we are compliant with a law doesn't depend on how a law will be enforced," said Guntermann.

"It depends mainly on costs involved, technical reliability and viability of a solution. However, a strict monitoring of all market participants is essential for a fair competition once a new law or Sulphur limit has been put into place."