A.P. Moller Maersk and Royal Vopak have signed an agreement to create a 0.5% sulphur bunkering facility at the port to aid future compliance.
This first joint initiative between the two parties will cater for around 20% of Maersk global demand for sulphur compliant fuel Photo: Maersk
The facility, at Vopak Terminal Europoort, will allow A.P. Moller – Maersk to safely blend, store and handle different fuel types to ensure full compliance with the 0.5% sulphur cap. “We trust that this initiative will put to rest some of the concerns the industry has on fuel availability as well as secure our continued competitiveness in the market,” said Niels Henrik Lindegaard, head of Maersk Oil Trading, a division of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
Handling challenges
Member States of the IMO recently recognized that there are still some reservations and challenges relating to fuel handling and compatibility around the forthcoming sulphur cap. As an anchor tenant in the modified facilities, this agreement will enable Maersk, as well as any other interested third parties, to supply vessels trading with and inside Europe with sulphur compliant fuel. It will also allow the operator more supply chain assurance looking at both quality and quantity of the compliant fuel.
“We are very proud to serve A.P. Moller – Maersk with this dedicated 0.5% sulphur bunkering point in the heart of Rotterdam. We are dedicated to serving our customers to comply with the IMO 2020 regulations in the key global bunker hubs around the world,” said Hari Dattatreya, global oil director at Royal Vopak.
He added that this long-term commitment will prepare both parties for the paradigm-shift of emissions regulation.
Source: Greenport