The main fears around the use of the low sulphur fuel as mandated by the IMO 2020 sulphur cap that entered into force in January 2020, such as lack of availability and poor quality of new fuels did not materialize paving the way for a much smoother transition than expected.

Availability concerns were quashed with the unveiling of VLSFO plans by oil majors and refiners in the run-up to 2020, causing minimal disruption. Furthermore, as the cost surrounding the use of new fuels price dropped with the crash of crude prices due to geopolitical developments and COVID-19 impact, shipowners were provided with some additional ease.