The 2020 sulphur cap could raise costs significantly for shipping. According to Unni Einemo, director of the International Bunker Industry Association (Ibia), the same amount of fuel will cost more come January 1 next year when the new regulation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) becomes effective. Potential teething problems with fuel quality are also expected, while compliance will be a global challenge. Einemo said while there was a lot of uncertainty about the impact of the regulation which caps marine fuel at 0.50% sulphur, the shipping industry had become adept at dealing with uncertainty. “There is also a lot that we already know,” she said. “Bunker fuel prices, demand, quality and availability have always been subject to fluctuation and variability.” Also, a lot of clarity has been provided through the guidelines supporting the regulatory framework of the IMO. She said these guidelines were not mandatory for countries, but they were extremely important.