Abstract
Revision of MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI was adopted (resolution MEPC.176(58)) at the IMO MEPC 58 (October 2008), and the framework for the regulation of future sulphur reduction was decided. By 2025 at the latest, the global maximum sulphur content in marine fuel oil will be reduced to less than or equal to 0.5 %m/m. Aside from the phased reduction of sulphur, IMO is considering whether other fuel properties need to be controlled. The effects of the reduction of sulphur in fuel oil have already been felt, and with future step-by-step sulphur reduction, there is concern that these effects will aggravate. Therefore, it is necessary to pay due attention to the changing circumstances regarding marine fuel oil with a wider perspective.This report mainly describes the situation to date of fuel oil standards and marine fuel oil properties.
