HAMBURG: July 26, 2019. Zeamarine is introducing a US$35 surcharge per freight ton for its liner services from September 01, 2019.

The move is prompted by International Maritime Organization (IMO) Low Sulphur Regulations that require shipping companies to reduce the current level of sulphur oxide (SOx) production from January 01, 2020.

Chief commercial officer Dominik Stehle said Zeamarine had decided “to pursue the most environmentally friendly option of switching from IFO380 heavy fuel oil (IFO380) to an IMO2020 compliant low sulphur fuel”.

The company is in the process of preparing fuel tanks, piping systems and engines of its vessels “at significant cost” during Q4 2019 and will also incur ongoing costs due to the more expensive fuel.

As a result, tramp voyages commencing on or after September 01, 2019 will be subject to a new bunker adjustment clause and liner bookings will be subject to the new surcharge irrespective of volume, loading and discharging region.