The year 2020 has been eagerly anticipated by the maritime business for the switch to a low-sulphur fuel environment. Preparations have been ongoing and, with no quarter given for poor planning, the first quarter of the year is expected to be dominated by fuel quality issues.

How significant will this be beyond Q1? What will the rest of the year hold? No doubt geopolitical tension will be on-going, focusing on sanctions in the Middle East, trade spats between the US and China and trade talks involving the European Union and its neighbours.

And no doubt 2020 will continue to experience consolidation as the sulphur cap drives bunker costs higher, reducing profitability on markets that remain volatile. Which sectors are most likely to see partnerships forming? Where will lack of agility lead to financial pain? Who will invest in technology that promises much but fails to deliver?

The year ahead will inevitably be a year of challenge and change, but could it also be a year of opportunity? Find out on this Lloyd’s List webinar, in association with Wallem Group, moderated by Chief correspondent Richard Clayton.