From January 1, 2020, all ships and vessels in Australia will be required to use fuel which contains a maximum of 0.5 per cent sulphur, as agreed by the International Maritime Organisation in 2016 — a significant reduction from the current limit of 3.5 per cent.
The decision to lower the sulphur content limit from 3.5 per cent to 0.5 per cent was made after a 2016 review into fuel demand and availability in the future found there would be sufficient compliant fuel oil to meet the 2020 deadline.
In Australia, diesel fuels are generally below this 2020 sulphur content threshold. If in doubt, contact your fuel supplier.
