Given the expectation that bunker costs will rise vessels that install marine scrubbers could find some very cheap prices for high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO). US investment bank Goldman Sachs is interested in providing capital to vessel owners interested in installing marine scrubbers to comply with the 0.5% sulfur bunker spec. The investment bank is looking at partially pre-financing scrubber installations, letting shipowners access up to 25% of the initial cost of me scrubber and helping them secure additional funding from their habitual credit providers. Under this arrangement Goldman would recoup its investment over one to two years from the savings resulting from a vessel burning HSFO rather than buying a low-sulfur product that complies with the new spec. A representative for the bank said the company is "close to signing a few deals along these lines." As part of these deals Goldman is also looking to partner with fuel suppliers to ensure HSFO volumes are available at ports where vessel owners operating with scrubbers financed under these deals dock.
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