Key Specifications
Main engine fuel for scrubber-equipped vessels on deep-sea passage outside Emission Control Areas
Technical Detail
The scrubber economics
Scrubber installation costs are typically several million dollars per vessel; payback depends on the price spread between HSFO and VLSFO. The spread has narrowed and widened with market conditions — scrubbers remain economic for many large vessels but less so for smaller tonnage.
Availability post-2020
HSFO availability varies by port. Major bunker hubs (Singapore, Rotterdam, Fujairah) maintain consistent supply; smaller ports may not. Availability has generally proved more resilient than some initial forecasts predicted because scrubber uptake supported continuing demand.
ECA restrictions
Even scrubber-equipped vessels must use compliant fuel (0.10% sulphur) in Emission Control Areas unless their scrubber system is type-approved for ECA operation and achieves the equivalent SOx reduction.
Environmental considerations
Open-loop scrubbers discharge washwater overboard, which is now restricted or banned in an increasing number of ports and national waters (notably China, UAE, Singapore for specific configurations). Closed-loop and hybrid systems avoid this but add complexity.
Where to Bunker HSFO
Ports in our directory where HSFO is available as a standard commercial grade:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HSFO still widely available?
At major bunker hubs, yes. At smaller ports, availability is more limited than pre-2020. Check nomination feasibility specifically rather than assuming.
Can I burn HSFO in an ECA with my scrubber?
Only if your scrubber is type-approved for ECA operation and proven to achieve equivalent SOx reduction. Many systems are approved; some are not. Check certification.
What happens when my scrubber fails?
You must switch to compliant (low-sulphur) fuel immediately and report the failure. Prolonged non-compliance is a serious regulatory breach. Vessels carry LSMGO reserves for exactly this contingency.
Is HSFO going away?
Not imminently. Demand will track scrubber-fitted fleet size. As older vessels are scrapped and new ones come with dual-fuel or zero-carbon designs, HSFO demand will decline — but at a gradual pace.