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 . “The days of abundant and cheaper marine fuel are ending,” he said, adding however refineries were slow, and possibly reluctant, to make major investments for the swing to low-sulphur fuel oil. 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 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 .