SINOPEC to expand production of low-sulfur marine fuel oil to 10 million t
Published by Tom Mostyn,
Editorial Assistant
Hydrocarbon Engineering,
On the 48th World Environment Day, SINOPEC hosted a press release conference in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, to officially announced plans to raise the production capability of low-sulfur marine fuel oil to 10 million and 15 million t in 2020 and 2023 respectively. SINOPEC has also committed to enhancing its sales and supply network. By 1 January, 2020, Zhoushan and other China major ports will be fully covered with SINOPEC product availability, and more than 50 key overseas ports, including Singapore, will be covered with SINOPEC supply ability. The commitment will contribute 600 000 t of sulfur oxide emissions reduction, equivalent to shutting down over 64 million National IV Standard trucks for a year.
Shipping emissions have become one of the major sources of air pollution in port cities and coastal areas. Data shows while a 10 000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) container vessel sails with a 70% load for 24 hours, it produces the equivalent amount of PM2.5 against 210 000 National IV Standard trucks. The IMO appointed research institute has forecasted that the global shipping industry is estimated to consume around 300 million t of marine fuels in 2020. From 1 January 2020, MARPOL Annex VI caps the sulfur content of marine fuels at 0.5%, down from the current 3.5%, which is 86% less than current emissions. The global environment is expected to be improved fundamentally in aspects ranging from the quality of air in port cities to atmosphere and oceans.
SINOPEC launched a project in production R&D of the greener low-sulfur marine fuel oil in 2017. In terms of production, 10 refineries located in coastal cities have been projected to produce low-sulfur marine fuel oil. Shanghai, Jinling and Hainan, locations of some of these refineries, have successively produced the IMO compliant marine fuel earlier this year. In regards to supply network development, the supply chain of SINOPEC’s own low-sulfur marine fuel oil has already been established in Shanghai and Zhejiang. Simultaneously, the supply chain is expected to reach Singapore, Hambantota, ARA areas and up to 50 key overseas ports around the globe.
“Reduction of shipping emissions is one of the key factors in the Blue Sky Protection Campaign,” said Mr Lv Dapeng, a SINOPEC spokesperson. “The production and supply of low-sulfur marine fuel oil is a green initiative that benefits the whole world and requires concerted global action.”
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/05062019/sinopec-to-expand-production-of-low-sulfur-marine-fuel-oil-to-10-million-t/
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