As from 1 January 2015, the new EU Sulpher directive requires a drastic reduction in sulphur emissions from all vessels operating in the so-called Sulpher Emission control Areas, which cover the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the English channel. Ships operating in these areas must use fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0,1 % where now 1% is the limit, or adapt alternative solutions that achieve an equivalent effect.
The basic options to comply with this new legislation all have one mutual result: an increase in sea-freight costs which ferry operators will pass on to their customers, freight as well as passengers. From various operators we have been notified to anticipate a significant increase in costs, indicated between 10 – 15 % !
Most Operators have confirmed to have more exact figures by the end of November.
We, as Vorex Logistics b.v., are in continuous contact with all major ferry operators trying to get the exact increases clear so we can also determine the effect on our rates to our customers for next year.
In our continuing drive to find and implement efficient ways of working we now face the hard task of minimizing the effect for our customers whereby, obviously, good entrepreneurship requires us to safeguard the margins we need to maintain a healthy and solid organisation that can continue to offer you a high quality and guaranteed service.
As expressed above, the real effect of this new directive is not completely clear yet still it’s obvious there will be a significant increase of costs to all customers of the ferry operators in the Sulpher Emission Control Areas.
Ahead of the definitive figures we feel it’s appropriate to inform you that the first indicative calculations result in to a required increase in freight cost between 4 and 6 %. Whereby we do need to emphasize this will merely be to cover our increased operational costs due this new legislation.
We will keep you informed on the developments and strive to communicate definite figures by early December latest.
If you require any additional information please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our staff.