European Bunker Prices To Rise

Due to a new directive from the European Council that dictates the maximum amount of sulfur allowed in industrial fuels, the price of bunker prices will surely rise in Europe, ExxonMobil Marine Fuels says. In its house organ, HorsePower, the company says that under the new regime, HFO burned onboard ships in EU waters will be limited to one percent sulfur by January 1, 2003 and distillate fuels to 0.2 percent by July 1, 2000, and half that by January 1, 2008. Shipowners will have to run auxiliary engines on gas oil, and ISO spec DMX, DMA, B&C will not be allowed unless they are produced to a reduced sulfur content.