Marine fuel quality is a tricky subject, partly due to the fact that IMO’s changes implemented to the global fuel market are still being adapted. The international shipping and refining industries have been affected by the sulfur limits, which have reduced to 0.50% hence disrupting demands for specific bunker fuels.
Shipowners are now exploring other options resulting in a high drop in sulfur fuel oil demand. The boat fuel market is breaking into three sectors due to the shift to very low sulfur fuel oils from the high sulfur fuel oils.
Types of Marine Fuel Oil Available in The Market
Petroleum is the original product refined to be used by the shipping industry. Marine fuel is divided into two categories;
Distillate marine fuel oil (DM) – are the marine fuel oils that evaporate in fractional distillation and form liquid fractions after condensing. Heating is not required in this type of fuel, also known as marine gas oil.
Residual marine fuel oil (RM) -This type of fuel oil needs heating for storage, and high filtration is required. The heavy yields from the refining processes are represented by the residual fuels. Residual marine fuel oils are considered to be low-quality fuels.
A variety of new fuels has been created due to the strict emission limits hence the diversification of marine fuels. Depending on the sulfur content in the distillate and residual fuel marine fuel oils, other categories are created;
- Ultra-low sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO)
- Very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO)
Heavy fuel oil (HFO) – Is the lowest quality form of bunker fuel. According to research, 40% of fuel use will be represented by heavy fuel oil. The less expensive and dirtiest refinery product is the high sulfur fuel oil.
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) – Is the alternative fuel to HFO and cleaner transport fuel. Due to the emission regulations, ships are the fuel because it offers the advantage.
Methods Used for Testing Marine Fuel Quality
- Flashpoint
The reference method, ISO 2719 procedure A is used to determine the flashpoint of all grades of distilled fuel in table 1 list. The reference test method ISO 3679 tests sample fuels whose flash point is less than 40 degrees. ISO 2719 procedure B reference method is used to determine the flashpoint of all table 2 listed residual fuels. - Density
The reference test method ISO 3675 is used to determine the density of the fuels that contain residual components at ambient temperature on distillation and at elevated temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees. Using table 53B of the ISO 91-1, the hydrometer readings are converted to 15 degrees.Before converting and applying table 53B, A glass expansion coefficient for appropriate correction is used for the readings obtained by the density analyzer at a temperature other than 15 degrees when test reference ISO 12185 is used to determine density. - Sulfur content
ISO 8754 is used as the reference test method to ensure that the fuel recommendations have been adhered to. National authorities may specify other test methods for environmental control purposes in some geographical areas. - Appearance
The inspection of the appearance for categories DA, DB, and DX is done in a good light, free from glare and shadow, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees.A clear and bright appearance is noted in the DA and DX categories. Total sediment existent testing is not needed when the samples in category DB appear free from visible water and sediment, or a visual inspection is afforded. - Total sediment existent
The reference test method ISO 10307-1 determines the total sediment existent for samples in the DB categories that do not show the visual inspection.
Why is Marine Fuel Oil Testing Important?
It is essential to test the marine fuel to ensure that it is suitable for usage. Traditional fuel and modern low sulfur fuels are faced with some problems, and if the fuel is not tested, it may cause damage to your fuel system and the engine. The operational risks caused by these marine fuels can be reduced by ensuring regular testing, which may cost a couple of hundred dollars.
List of Fuel Suppliers in The Netherlands
- A Nobel en Zn. Bunkerservice B.V
- Bunker one
- Bomin ltd
- Atlantic Aardolieproducten Maatschappij B.V
- Delta Bunkering B.V
- Delta Energy Fuel Supply & Trading B.V
- ExxonMobile Marine Fuels B.V.B.A.
- Belgian Trading & Bunkering B.V.B.A.
- Fiwado B.V
- GEO B.V
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