The main type of "bunker" oil for ships is heavy fuel oil, derived as a residue from crude oil distillation. Crude oil contains sulphur which, following combustion in the engine, ends up in ship emissions. Sulphur oxides are known to be harmful to human health. In the atmosphere can lead to acid rain, which can harm crops, forest and aquatic species. Limiting Sulphur Oxides emissions from ships will improve air quality and protects the environment. IMO regulations to reduce sulphur oxides emissions from ships came into force in 2005, under Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollutions from Ships (known as the MARPOL Convention) Since then, the limits on sulphur oxides have been progressively tightened. Read more: IMO News
