The IMO 2020 sulfur regulations that take effect in three weeks’ time are starting to redefine the choice of bunkering ports and impact the cargo-carrying capacity of dry bulk ships, according to freight market participants.

A large number of dry bulk carriers trading in the Asia-Pacific have already made the switch to 0.5% sulfur marine fuel to comply with the new IMO requirement.

The move is starting to result in many changes, such as dry bulk shipowner-operators preferring straight run 0.5% sulfur fuel, also known as low sulfur fuel oil or LSFO, over blended fuel grades to ensure the safety of their ships and for operational ease.

“If we go to a place where we know we can get straight run LSFO, we…