HSFO remains a commercial marine fuel for vessels equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) that remove sulphur from combustion exhaust. Before IMO 2020, HSFO was the global workhorse; post-2020, it is niche but strategically important for scrubber-fitted tonnage.
Main engine fuel for scrubber-equipped vessels on deep-sea passage outside Emission Control Areas
Scrubber installation costs are typically several million dollars per vessel; payback depends on the price spread between HSFO and VLSFO. The spread has narrowed and widened with market conditions — scrubbers remain economic for many large vessels but less so for smaller tonnage.
HSFO availability varies by port. Major bunker hubs (Singapore, Rotterdam, Fujairah) maintain consistent supply; smaller ports may not. Availability has generally proved more resilient than some initial forecasts predicted because scrubber uptake supported continuing demand.
Even scrubber-equipped vessels must use compliant fuel (0.10% sulphur) in Emission Control Areas unless their scrubber system is type-approved for ECA operation and achieves the equivalent SOx reduction.
Open-loop scrubbers discharge washwater overboard, which is now restricted or banned in an increasing number of ports and national waters (notably China, UAE, Singapore for specific configurations). Closed-loop and hybrid systems avoid this but add complexity.
Ports in our directory where HSFO is available as a standard commercial grade:
Seven Ocean procures marine fuel at every major global hub. Tell us the vessel, the port, the grade, and we'll come back with a stem.
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