Coal carriers may see a rise of between 20 % and 40 % in freight rates in 2015 once carriers switch to low - sulphur fuel , Anthony Knutson , principal analyst for Wood Mackenzie , has warned . Coal companies traditionally rely on cheaper , high - sulphur fuel oil . However , the implementation of the International Maritime Organization 's sulphur standards will force companies to find alternatives , from relatively untested and costly scrubber technology to entirely new vessels capable of running on liquefied natural gas , Knutson said . " The days of abundant and cheaper marine fuel are ending " , he added .
Coal shippers may see a hike of between 20% and 40% in freight prices in 2020 once carriers switch to low-sulphur fuels, Anthony Knutson, principal analyst for Wood Mackenzie, has warned. Coal companies traditionally rely on cheaper, high-sulphur fuel oil. However, the implementation of the International Maritime Organization's sulphur cap will force companies to find alternatives, from relatively untested and costly scrubber technology to purchasing new vessels capable of running on liquefied natural gas, Knutson said. "The days of abundant and cheaper marine fuel are ending", he added.