Low-sulphur marine fuels—panacea or a new threat?

Abstract

As a result of increasing air pollution, global actions have been taken to improve air quality. One of these measures is the reduction of SOx emission from ships. This group of transport means has used (until the end of 2019) fuel with a maximum sulphur content of up to 3.5%. The article describes fuels with low sulphur content currently approved for use (with sulphur content below 0.5 and 0.1% for Emission Control Area). This amount is 500 times greater than the permissible sulphur content in car fuel (up to 3500 times greater by the end of 2019). Low-sulphur marine fuels include blend fuels the use of which raises doubts. What threats does their use pose? The most significant problems associated with limiting the sulphur content of marine fuel have already been identified. These include the incompatibility and instability described in the article. Are there any others? The publication is an attempt to resolve this issue.