New rules that come into force in ECAs at the start of 2015. The International Maritime Organisation has set a sulphur limit of 0.1% in marine fuels in ECA regions. This requires tanker owners to choose between converting their fleet to using LNG, to switching to expensive distillate fuels, or buying scrubbing technology to clean exhaust emissions. It is very probable that the switch over to natural gas would be both the cheapest and most environmentally friendly solution.

The economic benefits depend on the price of the oil and gas in each area and on the regulations and incentives offered by each particular government.