The crude oil tanker company Euronav has purchased a total of 420,000 metric tons of compliant fuel oil and marine gasoil so far, the company revealed as it detailed its IMO 2020 sulfur cap plans.

 In aggregate the purchase value of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) has been at $447 per metric ton compared to a bunker price (HFO-3.5% Sulfur content) of $400 per metric ton over the same procurement period.

According to the Belgium shipping company, the oil is currently aboard a ultra large crude carrier (ULCC) Oceania, a vessel built in 2003, and will soon be on its way to Singapore.

 Euronav owns the only two operational ULCC vessels (3m barrel capacity): the Europe (2002 – 442,470 dwt) and the Oceania. Both ULCC are unique movable storage units for use of crude or fuel oil given their size and age.

The ULCC Europe is currently under commercial time charter with a third party until the end of 2019.

Hugo De Stoop, CEO of Euronav said: “The introduction of new Sulfur emissions regulations as part of “IMO 2020” is one of the most progressive and significant developments for all shipping segments over the past fifty years. Reducing shipping’s Sulfur footprint is a critical step forward for all seaborne transportation and Euronav wholeheartedly welcomes the new regulations and looks forward to fully complying with them."