06AUG2019 - NEWS - Klesch to produce 0.5pc sulphur marine fuel at Heide

German refiner Klesch will produce a 0.5pc sulphur marine fuel at its 100,000 b/d Heide refinery, north of Hamburg.

The fuel, which will allow for compliance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2020 global marine-fuel sulphur cap, has performed well in independent tests for compatibility and stability, Klesch said.
The refiner already produces low-sulphur blending components for 3.5pc sulphur fuel oil — the current maximum permitted sulphur content of marine fuels. A refinery spokeswoman said it will be possible for Heide to produce the low-sulphur blending components and the 0.5pc sulphur marine fuel needed once the IMO rule takes effect on 1 January 2020, although future production levels will depend on how the marine fuel market develops.