The Cost of SOx Limits to Marine Operators; Results from Exploring Marine Fuel Prices

Marine operators are confronted with the new air emissions regulations that determine the limits of sulfur content in marine fuels. The low‐sulfur (LS) marine fuels have a higher price, and their fluctuation is almost similar to the fluctuation of high‐sulfur (HS) fuels. The price difference between HS and LS might also determine the decision of operators for alternative technical means, such as scrubbers, in order to comply with the new limits. This paper aims to provide a thorough statistical analysis of the currently available LS and HS marine fuels time series, as well as to present the analysis of the differential of the HS and LS fuel prices. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research.