Originally published October 2009
Article by Captain John L David of Marine
Professionals and Benjamin Macfarlane of B.J.Macfarlane &
Co.
In recent years, environmental regulatory requirements have
dictated that marine fuels should be low in sulphur, a major
pollutant, largely responsible for "acid rain". For
example, in 2006 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
promulgated its final rule implementing requirements for sulphur,
cetane, and aromatics for highway, non road, locomotive, and marine
diesel fuel produced in, imported into, and distributed or used in
the rural areas of Alaska. Beginning June 1, 2010, diesel fuel used
in these applications must meet the 15 ppm (maximum) sulphur
content standard. Similar requirements exist in California and in
the European Union. While this is good news for the environment,
low-sulphur fuels present a twofold challenge to the shipping and
insurance industries. Not only are they more expensive since they
are the
