ExxonMobil develops new fuel

Fuel designed to help operators meet new 0.1% sulphur limits
ExxonMobil develops new fuel

By Rebecca Gibson |


ExxonMobil Marine Fuels & Lubricants has launched a new fuel to help ship operators comply with the 0.1% sulphur limit, which will become effective in Emission Control Areas (ECA) from 1 January 2015.

ExxonMobil Premium Heavy Distillate Marine ECA 50 (HDME 50) contains a low sulphur content associated with marine gas oil (MGO) and has the higher flashpoint and lower volatility properties typically found in heavy fuel oil (HFO). This decreases the risk of engine and boiler damage, while enabling marine operators to sail in ECAs.

The fuel also has a high viscosity, which enables it to be stored onboard and handled in a similar way to HFO. The fuel also has to be heated, which reduces the risk of thermal shock to engine components during switchovers when the ship is entering or leaving an ECA. This minimises the likelihood of fuel pump seizures and engine shutdowns.

Tested by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, the fuel is suitable for use in main and auxiliary engines and marine type boilers. Following successful field trials, it can also be used in MAN Diesel & Turbo’s MAN B&W two-stroke and MAN B&W Holeby genset engines, provided the company’s specific engine type guidelines are followed.

“We have developed and launched ExxonMobil Premium HDME 50, a new category of low sulphur fuel, to help marine operators meet the increasingly stringent ECA rules beginning in January 2015,” said Aaron Cobb, director, ExxonMobil Marine Fuels and Lubricants. “ExxonMobil Premium HDME 50 complements our existing MGO offer and enables operators to choose a fuel that meets their specific requirements.”

ExxonMobil Premium HDME 50 is already in use by a range of vessel operators.

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