In addition to base oils, our process makes Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO.) Liquid hydrocarbon marine fuels are classified by maximum sulfur content ranging from 0.1% to 3.5%. We make only the two lowest sulfur categories of marine fuels.
Marine Gas Oil (MGO) 0.1% S
- Maximum 0.1% (1000 ppm) sulfur. Introduced to market as required January 1, 2015
- Mandated within 200 miles of the US Coastline for all ships without scrubbers.
- Mandated in Northwestern Europe, South Korea, parts of China, and in the future the Mediterranean Sea.
- Highest priced hydrocarbon marine fuel.
Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSO) 0.5% S
- Maximum 0.5% (5,000 ppm) sulfur
- Introduced on January 1, 2020 to replace HSFO for all ships operating without scrubbers
- Triggered massive demand shift to VLSFO (from HSFO)
- Lead to demand decline for ULO, prior blended to make HSFO
- Priced between MGO and HSFO
High Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO) 3.5% S
- Maximum 3.5% sulfur
- Banned January 1, 2020 on high seas for all ships not equipped with scrubbers
- This reduced demand for ULO which was blended with other liquids to make HSFO
- Lowest priced hydrocarbon marine fuel