Evaluation Cost and Environmental Impact of Compliance Measures
for IMO Sulfur Cap
Jiaqi Hu
University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K.
Keywords: Sulphur, Effect, Shipping.
Abstract: This research examines Maersk's crisis management in response to the NotPetya cyber attack, which severely
disrupted its global IT systems. It analyses the company's actions be-fore, during and after the at-tack,
highlighting Maersk's resilience, cross-functional coordination and transparent communication strategies. The
study examines how Maersk quickly mobilized global resources, made quick decisions under uncertainty and
restored operations with minimal long-term damage. Key success factors include proactive leadership,
effective stakeholder engagement and the ability to learn and adapt in real time. The case provides valuable
insights into how large multinational companies can manage cybersecurity crises, highlighting the importance
of preparedness, organizational agility and crisis communication. The analysis contributes to our
understanding of organizational resilience in the face of complex digital threats and has practical implications
for risk management and business continuity planning in an increasingly inter-connected world. In addition,
the study also revealed how Maersk can maintain business stability under chain reactions such as supply chain
interruption and damage to customer trust, and to rebuild the digital infrastructure through systematic recovery
measures.
1 INTRODUCTION
The "sulphur cap" refers to an environmental
regulation introduced by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) that came into force on 1 January
2020. It requires a reduction in the sulphur content of
marine fuels from 3.5% to 0.5% (Seas, 2020). The
short-term goal of this policy is to reduce air pollution
and improve public health in coastal regions and
heavily trafficked maritime areas. The long-term
objective is to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from
shipping by at least 50% by 2050. The
implementation of the IMO 2020 regulation has had
a profound impact on both the shipping industry and
the environment. On the one hand, the reduction in
sulphur emissions contributes to improved air quality,
reduced respiratory health risks and a reduction in
acid rain, which damages marine ecosystems (Wu &
Lin, 2021). On the other hand, compliance requires
significant financial investment. Switching to low-
sulphur fuels or installing scrubbers has significantly
increased operating costs (Bach & Hansen, 2023),
raising concerns about industrial competitiveness and
profitability. These challenges also raise questions
about the economic sustainability of such measures
and their compatibility with long-term
decarbonization goals. This paper aims to assess the
effectiveness of IMO measures in reducing sulphur
emissions, examine the associated compliance
burdens and contribute to future policy development
for sustainable shipping.
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Blue Shipping: Assessing the
Environmental Impact of the 2020
Sulphur Cap
Numerous studies have examined the impact of the
IMO 2020 sulphur cap on maritime emissions. A
global study by Lindstad et al. (2017) showed a
significant reduction in sulphur emissions from ships,
with reductions ranging from 39% in Europe to as
high as 90% in East Asia. Similarly, the International
Council on Clean Transportation reported a reduction
in global sulphur emissions from shipping of 6.3
144
Hu, J.
Evaluation Cost and Environmental Impact of Compliance Measures for IMO Sulfur Cap.
DOI: 10.5220/0014298500004859
Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Politics, Law, and Social Science (ICPLSS 2025), pages 144-151
ISBN: 978-989-758-785-6
Proceedings Copyright © 2026 by SCITEPRESS Science and Technology Publications, Lda.
million tons in the first half of 2020. These results
suggest that the regulation has made significant
progress towards the IMO's environmental goals,
particularly in terms of reducing sulphur emissions
and improving air quality. Wu and Lin (2021) also
found that container ships on the European trades
have often adopted scrubber systems, allowing the
continued use of high-sulphur fuel. This suggests that
while overall emissions have decreased, regional
differences in compliance methods - particularly the
reliance on scrubbers - may have undermined the
overall effectiveness of the policy in certain areas.
However, a common limitation of existing studies is
their focus on direct emissions outcomes, often
overlooking secondary impacts such as changes in
operational strategies or market dynamics. There
remains a gap in the literature on how different
compliance mechanisms affect emissions across
regions, particularly when taking into account
fluctuating fuel prices and the varying availability of
cleaner alternatives. Furthermore, a comprehensive
assessment of the economic and environmental trade-
offs associated with these compliance strategies is
lacking. My research aims to contribute to this field
by critically analyzing how the 2020 sulphur cap is
working in practice, highlighting regional
differences, fuel-related challenges and potential
unintended consequences. In doing so, it will provide
a deeper understanding of the implementation of the
policy, its practical constraints and its wider
implications for the environmental transition of the
shipping industry.
Although the 2020 sulphur cap has delivered
encouraging results in reducing sulphur emissions
from shipping, its economic impact also warrants
careful consideration. Singh and Shanthakumar
(2023) point out that the transition to low-sulphur
fuels has significantly increased fuel costs for
shipping companies. This cost increase contributes to
a cost-push effect, increasing overall operating costs
and potentially weakening the ability of companies to
maintain performance standards, thereby reducing the
global competitiveness of the industry. The
effectiveness of IMO environmental policy needs to
be examined in the broader context of
decarbonization efforts in the maritime sector. Wang
and Wright (2021) acknowledge that the sulphur cap
is an important first step in limiting air pollutants, but
argue that it is only a temporary solution. Achieving
the IMO's longer-term goal of reducing greenhouse
gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050 will require
continued innovation, particularly through the
introduction of alternative fuels and cleaner
technologies. Therefore, while the sulphur cap has
played a key role in reducing sulphur-related
pollution, it must be seen as one component of a
broader transition strategy. To address this gap in the
existing literature, my research seeks to explore how
the 2020 sulphur cap may influence the promotion
and adoption of cleaner alternative fuels in the
shipping industry. This perspective raises the critical
question of whether the current IMO regulations are
not only effective in limiting sulphur emissions, but
also capable of supporting the sector's longer-term
decarbonization trajectory. Understanding this
relationship is central to assessing the true
effectiveness of such international environmental
policies in promoting sustainable shipping.
2.2 Setting a Low-Sulphur Course:
Compliance Approaches in
Response to the 2020 Sulphur Cap
A growing body of literature has examined how
shipping companies have responded to the
requirements of the 2020 sulphur cap through
different compliance strategies. Cuong and Hung
(2020), in their survey of Vietnamese shipping
companies, found that the majority have chosen to
switch to low-sulphur fuel as their primary means of
compliance. Other approaches identified include the
installation of scrubbers and reliance on exemptions
or regulatory leniency in specific contexts. Similarly,
Lindstad et al. (2017) report that most ships are
largely compliant with emissions regulations,
although some continue to use scrubbers or even
resort to using non-compliant fuels. These studies
highlight the need for more in-depth research on the
economic impact of scrubber adoption and the
regulatory considerations surrounding its
implementation. Wu and Lin (2021) argue that
scrubber-equipped ships may adjust their routes to
pass through regions that still allow the use of high-
sulphur fuel, raising the question of how such
technologies affect compliance behaviour. This
research seeks to address this gap by assessing the
impact of scrubber use on both emissions control and
regulatory integrity, providing insight into the
broader challenges and potential benefits associated
with different compliance mechanisms.
Debate continues on the effectiveness of
enforcement of the sulphur cap in international
waters. Bach et al. (2023) argue that robust
enforcement is essential as shipowners may resort to
Evaluation Cost and Environmental Impact of Compliance Measures for IMO Sulfur Cap
145
illegal practices such as fuel blending to reduce
operating costs, leading to unreported or unjustified
emissions. There are also concerns that gaps in
enforcement, particularly in regions such as the
Arctic, could undermine environmental objectives.
Petrossian et al. (2020) also suggest that certain flag
states may offer incentives or regulatory leniency,
compromising the uniform application of the sulphur
cap and weakening its intended effects. These
findings highlight the urgent need for stronger
monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Wang and
Wright (2021) also note that smaller shipping
companies may be disproportionately affected by the
regulation due to their limited financial capacity to
invest in compliance technologies. This study aims to
contribute to the debate by analyzing the economic
impact of the 2020 sulphur cap on different segments
of the industry, assessing how these regulations affect
competitiveness and long-term sustainability. It also
aims to provide policy-relevant recommendations to
support the future development of effective and
equitable environmental regulation in maritime
transport.
2.3 Low Sulphur Mandate, High
Economic Stakes: The 2020 Cap
and Its Impact on Shipping
The enforcement of the 2020 sulphur cap has created
significant economic challenges for the shipping
industry. Singh and Shanthakumar (2023) highlight
that the mandatory switch to low-sulphur fuels has
significantly increased operating costs, which was
particularly difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic
when freight demand and rates were already
depressed. In addition, Bach et al. (2023) argue that
varying levels of enforcement and leniency -
particularly through incentives offered by certain flag
states - can create an uneven regulatory landscape.
Such disparities risk undermining the principle of fair
competition, disadvantaging compliant companies
and potentially encouraging a shift in trade routes and
shipping operations to jurisdictions with more lenient
compliance requirements. These issues suggest that
the economic sustainability of the regime may be
compromised if consistent global enforcement is not
achieved. The theoretical underpinnings of this
research draw on the literature examining emissions
leakage, competitive distortions and shifts in
maritime activity. It examines how compliance
strategies and technological adjustments affect not
only cost structures but also broader trade dynamics.
Ultimately, this study aims to provide practical
insights for both industry practitioners and policy
makers on how to implement sulphur regulations in a
more equitable and sustainable manner.
Another important economic concern highlighted
in the literature relates to the influence of the 2020
sulphur cap on strategic flag state selection.
Petrossian et al. (2020) found that ships may
increasingly reflag to countries offering more
affordable or lenient compliance routes. While this
trend may reduce costs for operators, it threatens the
competitiveness and regulatory standards of
traditional flag states and raises questions about
safety and oversight. Furthermore, while the sulphur
cap has delivered measurable emissions reductions, it
has not yet catalyzed a meaningful shift towards long-
term decarbonization. The industry has largely
avoided addressing the wider need to adopt
alternative, low-emission fuel technologies. This
disconnect suggests that while short-term
environmental targets are being met, the
transformational changes required for deep carbon
reduction remain elusive. This research project seeks
to bridge this gap by analyzing how economic factors
shape compliance decisions and identifying the
systemic barriers that prevent the wider uptake of
sustainable fuel options. In doing so, it will provide
valuable insights into how international regulations
can be designed to encourage not only emissions
reductions, but also sustainable shifts towards
environmental innovation in shipping.
2.4 Impacts and Implications of
Sulphur Emission Regulations
In summary, the literature reviewed shows that the
International Maritime Organization’s sulphur
emissions policy has had a significant impact on the
maritime sector. The introduction of the 2020 sulphur
cap has led to measurable reductions in sulphur
emissions globally, but the extent of the impact varies
by region, particularly where alternative compliance
measures - such as the installation of scrubbers - are
widely used. Economically, the regulation has posed
notable challenges, in particular the increase in
operating costs due to the introduction of low-sulphur
fuel and the disproportionate burden placed on
smaller and less financially resilient shipping
companies. Despite these findings, there remains a
need for more comprehensive research into the wider
impacts of the policy - in particular its role in
facilitating long-term decarbonization and its impact
ICPLSS 2025 - International Conference on Politics, Law, and Social Science
146
on the global competitiveness of the shipping
industry. This research gap provides an opportunity
to deepen understanding of how international
regulations shape industry practices and to evaluate
the effectiveness of different compliance strategies.
Ultimately, the successful implementation of IMO
regulations must be accompanied by a shift towards
cleaner fuels and innovative technologies. These
elements are essential not only to meet immediate
emissions targets, but also to support the long-term
sustainability and efficiency of maritime transport in
a rapidly evolving regulatory and environmental
landscape.
3 CASE
3.1 Case Study
Maersk's response to the IMO 2020 sulphur cap -
strategy, impact and lessons learned A.P. Moller-
Maersk, headquartered in Denmark, is the world's
largest container shipping company with an extensive
global fleet and logistics network. The
implementation of the IMO 2020 regulation, which
limits the sulphur content of marine fuels to 0.5%
(down from 3.5%), marked a major regulatory shift
for the shipping industry. The regulation aims to
reduce harmful sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions, which
have a significant impact on human health and the
environment, particularly in coastal regions. As a
global industry leader, Maersk's approach to
complying with the IMO 2020 regulation offers
valuable insights into how large companies can
balance environmental responsibility with economic
viability. This case study examines the company's
chosen compliance strategy, the resulting operational
and financial impact, and the wider implications for
sustainability and competitiveness in the maritime
sector.
3.2 Compliance Strategy: Opting for
Low-Sulphur Fuel
Shipping companies had several main compliance
options under the new sulphur cap: switching to very
low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), installing exhaust gas
cleaning systems (commonly known as scrubbers) or
switching to alternative fuels such as LNG or
methanol. Maersk has primarily chosen to switch to
low-sulphur fuels across its fleet rather than install
scrubbers. Between 2018 and 2020, the company
invested significantly reportedly more than $150
million - to prepare for this transition. This included
upgrading fuel handling systems, retraining crew and
securing reliable supplies of compliant fuel at key
global ports.
Unlike some of its peers, Maersk deliberately
limited its use of scrubbers, citing concerns about
environmental controversies in particular open-loop
scrubbers that discharge the contaminated washing
water into the possible regulatory ban in the future.
The company emphasized a long-term view, seeking
consistency with its broader environmental goals
rather than short-term economic gains.
3.3 Economic Impacts: Managing
Rising Fuel Costs
Maersk's switch to low sulphur fuel, while
environmentally progressive, had significant
financial implications. Initially, very low sulphur fuel
oil (VLSFO) was 30-50% more expensive than
traditional high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), leading to a
significant increase in operating costs. According to
Maersk 2020's financial reports, fuel-related costs
increased by approximately $200 million in the first
half of the year alone, largely as a result of the new
regulation.
To mitigate these costs, Maersk has implemented
several strategic responses. First, the company
introduced an "IMO 2020 Environmental Fuel Fee"
to pass on part of the additional fuel costs to
customers. Second, it implemented operational
measures such as route optimization and slow
steaming to reduce overall fuel consumption. Third,
Maersk entered into strategic sourcing partnerships
with refiners to secure a stable and cost-effective
supply of VLSFO.
Despite the initial challenges, Maersk has
successfully maintained operational efficiency and
market competitiveness. By the end of 2020, the price
gap between VLSFO and HSFO had narrowed,
alleviating some of the financial pressure. In addition,
the company's proactive approach and transparent
communication with stakeholders helped to maintain
customer confidence and strengthen brand credibility.
3.4 Environmental Benefits and
Broader Decarbonization Strategy
The switch to low-sulphur fuel has had a significant
positive impact on the environment. Maersk reported
a reduction in sulphur oxide emissions of more than
Evaluation Cost and Environmental Impact of Compliance Measures for IMO Sulfur Cap
147
80% in 2020, contributing to improved air quality
along major shipping routes and in port cities. These
achievements were in line with IMO targets and
reinforced Maersk's image as a sustainability leader
in the maritime sector. Crucially, Maersk saw IMO
2020 not as an isolated compliance challenge, but as
a steppingstone to full decarbonization. The company
has publicly committed to achieving net-zero carbon
emissions across its operations by 2040 and a 50%
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity by
2030 (compared to 2020 levels).
In pursuit of this goal, Maersk has invested heavily
in alternative marine fuels and clean technologies. In
2023, the company will launch the world's first
container ship powered by green methanol and has
ordered more than a dozen dual-fuel ships that can run
on methanol or conventional fuel. While IMO 2020
focused primarily on sulphur reduction, Maersk’s
investments in green methanol and dual-fuel ships
indicate a broader environmental strategy that may
contribute to a low-carbon future in maritime
transport.
3.5 Challenges and Risks
While Maersk's approach was largely successful, it
was not without its challenges. The company had to
deal with. Operational complexity: Different VLSFO
formulations at different suppliers and ports required
more stringent fuel quality control and compatibility
testing. As for crew training, handling new fuel types
required updated operating procedures and safety
protocols, increasing the need for training. Market
volatility: In the early months of implementation,
unpredictable VLSFO prices created budget risks and
affected route planning. In addition, Maersk's
decision to avoid widespread use of scrubbers
revealed a wider tension in the industry: while some
companies invested in scrubbers to benefit from
cheaper HSFO, others like Maersk prioritized long-
term environmental responsibility. This created an
uneven playing field in the short term, where
companies with different strategies faced different
cost structures and competitive advantages.
Meanwhile, Maersk recognized the regulatory
loopholes exploited by some smaller operators such
as flag state leniency and inconsistent enforcement in
some regions which could undermine the
effectiveness of global sulphur limits. This highlights
the importance of international regulatory alignment
and robust monitoring mechanisms.
3.6 Lessons Learned and Policy
Implications
Maersk's experience with the IMO 2020 regulation
illustrates how a proactive strategy and
environmental leadership can deliver both
compliance and competitive benefits. By preparing
early, formulating a clear transition plan and
maintaining transparent communication with its
customers, Maersk was able to manage the transition
to low-sulphur fuels more effectively than many of its
competitors. This approach not only reduced
operational risks, but also strengthened customer
confidence. The company's alignment of regulatory
compliance with its long-term sustainability goals
further strengthened its brand image. Rather than
viewing environmental regulations as a burden,
Maersk integrated them into its broader vision,
enhancing customer loyalty and distinguishing itself
as a responsible market leader. However, the variation
in compliance across the industry reveals a gap in
global enforcement, pointing to the need for greater
international coordination and harmonized
environmental standards. IMO 2020 has also acted as
a catalyst for innovation, encouraging investment in
alternative fuels and new technologies. This
momentum is essential as the shipping industry
moves towards the IMO's 2050 target of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%. Maersk's
early move into green fuels such as methanol shows
that companies that see regulation as a strategic
opportunity will be better placed to shape the future
of sustainable shipping.
3.7 Maersk’s Strategic Response to the
IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap
Maersk's response to the IMO 2020 sulphur cap
shows how a leading shipping company can combine
environmental responsibility with economic
resilience. By choosing to switch to low-sulphur fuels
and investing in future-proof technologies, Maersk
not only met the short-term regulatory requirements,
but also laid the foundations for long-term
decarbonization. While challenges remain -
particularly around fuel costs, enforcement and
industry-wide fairness - the case shows that
compliance can go hand in hand with innovation,
competitiveness and sustainability.
ICPLSS 2025 - International Conference on Politics, Law, and Social Science
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4 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Maersk’s Compliance Strategy:
Low-Sulphur Fuel as a Long-Term
Bet
Maersk's primary response to the IMO 2020 sulphur
cap has been to proactively adopt very low sulphur
fuel oil (VLSFO), rather than relying on scrubbers.
This strategy involved an upfront investment of more
than $150 million to upgrade fuel systems, retrain
personnel and establish stable supply chains for
compliant fuels. Compared to other carriers who
opted for scrubbers to continue burning cheaper high
sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), Maersk's decision reflects a
strategic preference for long-term environmental
responsibility over short-term cost savings. This
approach aligns with its broader decarbonization
goals and reduces its exposure to potential regulatory
backlash against scrubber discharge practices. The
findings suggest that corporate environmental
leadership can be motivated not only by regulatory
compliance, but also by reputational considerations
and anticipated policy trajectories.
This forward-looking strategy differentiated
Maersk in a fragmented industry landscape where
enforcement and compliance were uneven. Maersk's
limited use of scrubbers also addresses the concern
raised by Wu and Lin (2021), who found that
scrubbers - while compliant - may reduce the
environmental effectiveness of sulphur caps,
particularly in regions where enforcement is uneven
or water pollution is an issue.
4.2 Economic Impacts: Cost Burden
and Strategic Adaptation
Although environmentally sound, Maersk's decision
to switch to VLSFO came at a significant financial
cost. At the start of 2020, the price of VLSFO was 30-
50% higher than HSFO, contributing to an estimated
$200 million increase in Maersk's fuel-related costs
in the first half of the year alone. This placed an
additional burden on operations already affected by
the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted by Singh and
Shanthakumar (2023), who identified the IMO 2020
regulation as a driver of cost-push inflation in the
shipping sector.
To mitigate these economic impacts, Maersk has
implemented several strategies, including the
introduction of the IMO 2020 Environmental Fuel
Fee, route optimization and slow steaming to improve
fuel efficiency. Strategic sourcing agreements with
refiners have also been instrumental in managing fuel
price volatility. This adaptability illustrates how large
operators can absorb regulatory shocks through
diversified operational and commercial levers.
However, such strategic flexibility may not be
available to smaller or less capitalized operators,
exacerbating competitive inequalities in the industry,
as observed by Wang and Wright (2021).
4.3 Environmental Outcomes and
Decarbonization as a Strategic
Trajectory
Maersk's switch to low-sulphur fuel resulted in a
reported 80% reduction in SOx emissions in 2020,
directly contributing to improved air quality along
global trade routes. This is in line with Lindstad et al.
(2017), who documented dramatic reductions in
sulphur emissions in key regions following the
implementation of IMO 2020. More importantly,
Maersk has positioned this regulatory milestone as a
platform for broader decarbonization. The company
has committed to net-zero operations by 2040 and to
halving its greenhouse gas intensity by 2030.
The company's investments in green methanol and
dual-fuel vessels mark a deliberate shift beyond
compliance to innovation. In 2023, Maersk will
launch the world's first green methanol-powered
container ship and has ordered additional vessels that
can run on either methanol or conventional fuels.
These initiatives, while still in their infancy,
demonstrate a willingness to front-load R&D
investment in order to shape the future regulatory and
market landscape. While these steps suggest a 'post-
fossil fuel' ambition, a more critical view would
require closer tracking of fleet-wide emissions
trajectories and life cycle analysis of alternative fuels
to fully substantiate this claim.
4.4 Operational and Regulatory
Challenges
Despite its successes, Maersk faced significant
challenges in implementing its strategy. VLSFO
formulations varied between regions and suppliers,
making it difficult to ensure fuel quality and
compatibility. Crew retraining and safety adjustments
were also required. These findings echo earlier
concerns raised by Cuong and Hung (2020), who
highlighted the operational burden of low-sulphur
fuel compliance in Southeast Asia.
Evaluation Cost and Environmental Impact of Compliance Measures for IMO Sulfur Cap
149
Furthermore, Maersk's aversion to scrubbers
highlighted the disparity in compliance costs across
the industry. While motivated by environmental
concerns, this stance put Maersk at a temporary cost
disadvantage to operators using cheaper fuels with
scrubbers. In addition, inconsistencies in global
enforcement - such as flag state leniency or weak port
state control in some jurisdictions - allowed less
scrupulous operators to avoid the financial burden of
compliance, distorting competition and undermining
global emissions targets. This is consistent with
Petrossian et al. (2020), who highlighted the risks
posed by flags of convenience and uneven
enforcement.
4.5 Broader Policy Implications and
Industry Lessons
Maersk's experience with the IMO 2020 regulation
offers important lessons for both policymakers and
industry stakeholders. First, early preparation and
transparent communication can reduce transition
costs and increase customer confidence. Second,
environmental leadership if backed by credible action
can enhance brand value and competitiveness. Third,
the regulation catalyzed innovation in cleaner marine
fuels, suggesting that well-designed environmental
mandates can be constructive rather than punitive.
However, the case also highlights the limits of
voluntary action and the importance of strong
international governance. Without harmonized
enforcement, the full benefits of IMO regulations risk
being undermined by regulatory arbitrage and uneven
burdens on business. Future policy frameworks must
therefore combine ambitious targets with robust
monitoring mechanisms and financial support for
smaller operators to ensure a level playing field.
5 CONCLUSION
The implementation of the IMO 2020 sulphur cap has
brought significant changes to the global shipping
industry, particularly in balancing environmental
objectives with economic realities. This paper uses
the case study of Maersk to demonstrate how
proactive compliance strategies can deliver both
environmental and reputational benefits, despite
short-term financial burdens. Maersk's decision to use
low-sulphur fuel instead of relying on scrubbers
reflects a long-term vision in line with global
decarbonization targets. The company's experience
shows that compliance with international
environmental regulations, while costly, can drive
innovation and industry transformation.
At the same time, the uneven global enforcement
of sulphur regulations and the varying ability of
shipping companies to adapt highlight challenges in
terms of regulatory fairness and policy impact.
Smaller operators and developing flag states may
struggle to keep up, leading to competitive distortions
and reduced regulatory effectiveness. Future policy
must therefore address these inequalities through
harmonized enforcement and targeted support
mechanisms.
In conclusion, the IMO 2020 sulphur cap has
proven effective in reducing emissions, but its
success in promoting long-term sustainability
depends on broader structural reforms, investment in
alternative fuels and coordinated international
governance. The Maersk case suggests that
companies that see regulation as an opportunity rather
than a constraint are best placed to lead the shipping
industry towards a cleaner, more resilient future.
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