laevakütustes

Laevakütused, more commonly known as marine fuels or bunker fuels, are essential for the operation of ships and other vessels. These fuels are derived from crude oil and are typically heavier and more viscous than fuels used in road vehicles or aircraft. The primary types of marine fuels include heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine gas oil (MGO), and marine diesel oil (MDO). HFO, also known as residual fuel oil, is the cheapest and most widely used fuel due to its high energy content. However, it also contains higher levels of sulfur and other impurities, contributing to significant air pollution.

MGO and MDO are lighter distillates and burn cleaner than HFO, resulting in lower emissions. They are often used in smaller vessels, ferries, and as a backup fuel in larger ships. The choice of fuel depends on various factors, including engine type, operational requirements, and increasingly, environmental regulations.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented strict regulations to limit sulfur emissions from ships. The IMO 2020 regulation, for instance, capped the sulfur content in marine fuels at 0.5% globally, a significant reduction from the previous 3.5% limit. This has led to increased adoption of lower-sulfur fuels like MGO and MDO, as well as the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) which allow ships to continue using HFO. The industry is also exploring alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, and biofuels to further reduce its environmental impact. The production, storage, and bunkering (refueling) of these fuels are complex logistical operations, often taking place at major ports worldwide.