HSFO 380 refers to High-Sulfur Fuel Oil 380. It is a type of heavy fuel oil with a maximum sulfur content of 3.5% by weight. HSFO 380 is commonly used in maritime shipping, particularly in large ocean-going vessels such as container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers.

HSFO 380 is a residual fuel oil obtained from the residue left after the distillation and refining of crude oil. It is a dense and viscous fuel that requires preheating before it can be burned efficiently. Due to its high sulfur content, HSFO 380 is subject to environmental regulations aimed at reducing sulfur emissions. In some regions, such as Emission Control Areas (ECAs) or Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs), the use of HSFO 380 is restricted, and ships are required to switch to lower-sulfur alternatives, such as marine gas oil (MGO) or low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO), to comply with emission standards.

It’s important to note that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented regulations to reduce sulfur emissions from marine fuels. As of January 1, 2020, the global sulfur limit for marine fuels outside ECAs/SECAs is capped at 0.50% (reduced from the previous limit of 3.50%). This regulation, known as IMO 2020, has significantly impacted the use and availability of HSFO 380 in the shipping industry, leading to increased usage of compliant low-sulfur alternatives.