Indian energy major IndianOil has commenced deliveries of IMO 2020 compliant low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) with 0.5% sulphur as marine fuel at Indian ports.
The first bunker supply was made to the Panama-flagged LPG tanker Berlian Ekuator at Kandla port on October 26, 2019.
As informed, IndianOil has made available LSFO 0.5% S grade marine fuel for immediate deliveries at Kandla and Kochi ports.
Bunker fuel deliveries at other Indian ports including Mumbai, Mangalore, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Haldia are expected to start by mid-November 2019, the company said.
IndianOil had earlier unveiled two new IMO 2020 compliant marine fuel grades as well as a range of marine lubricants compliant with IMO 2020 specifications.
From January 1, 2020, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships operating outside designated emission control areas will be reduced to 0.5% from 3.5%. The measure aims to significantly reduce the amount of sulphur oxides emanating from ships and is expected to have major health and environmental benefits for the world, particularly for populations living close to ports and coasts.