HFO and MGO
An operator's choice of fuel depends on trade routes as well as on the frequency and combinations of port calls within and outside sulphur emission control areas (SECAs):
- Conventional HFO or low sulphur fuel oil depending on EGCS availability
- Low sulphur HFO and MGO
Fuel properties and challenges
Conventional heavy fuel oil, with a maximum sulphur content of 3.50%, can only be used on ships that are equipped with exhaust gas scrubbers. Calls in certain ports may require further steps to achieve compliance, including the switch to low-sulphur fuel.
Low-sulphur content HFOs can be used without a scrubber. However, as result of blending different fuels in the production and delivery chain, such fuels may not be tested or evaluated properly. Although, for example, the ISO 8217 standard is in place, there are practical concerns about how to assess fuel compatibility or obtain accurate data describing fuel properties.
Even if delivered as a stable product, blended fuels can become unstable if they mix with other fuels.
Very often especially the fuels with low asphaltene content are subject to stability and compatibility issues, and clogging of asphaltene in the oil, which can cause severe problems and even engine failures on board. Auramarine'sPORLA analyserfulfills the need for an easy, reliable and fast analysis instrument to ensure the stability and - when mixing fuels - the fuel compatibility and the recommended mixing order.
MGOmay have lower viscosity than the fuels for which the ship s fuel system was originally designed.
Criticalfuel supplysystem parts
- Coolers and in certain circumstances chillers, are needed to reach and maintain the correct MGO viscosity for main and auxiliary engines.
- A fuel pump's ability to accommodate specific fuels should be evaluated. To ensure the correct fuel viscosity, upgrades may be necessary to guarantee pumping capacity and lubricity.
- 燃油输送和循环泵与更高的thresholds for leaks or blockages, caused by the varying lubricity of fuels, will also improve long-term cost-efficiency and operational availability.
- Fuel filters should be able to remove cat fines and alert operators about frequent back-flush cycles or clogging.
References
Auramarine equips Grimaldi’s RoRo cargo hybrid vessel with fuel supply systems
Fuel changeover systems support scrubber operations
In open seas, conventional HFO combined with a scrubber, will ensure IMO 2020 compliance. When approaching ports with stricter environmental standards, for example zero discharge of wash water effluent, operators may need to switch off the scrubbers and switch between different fuels. The need to engage thefuel changeoversystemmay also occur if the scrubber malfunctions. Auramarine’s automated fuel changeover system can act as an emergency changeover system to secure continuous operation.
To safeguard the troublefree operation of the main and auxiliary engines during changeovers between different sulphur-content fuels, we recommend Auramarine's automated fuelchangeover system, which combines the changeover with automated cooling and viscosity control, optimising and controlling fuel changeovers.
A timely, controlled and accurate fuel changeover makes sense both from an operational and economical point of view. With a manually controlled fuel changeover system it is extremely challenging to simultaneously maintain the correct fuel temperature change rate and viscosity at all times. A smart, automated changeover system safeguards compliance and uninterrupted engine operation, and at the same time minimises the periods that the engines must run on, currently more expensive, MGO.
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Let's talk!
Every ship is different from a technical, trading and operational perspective. However, from design to delivery there are elements of newbuilding and modernisation projects that remain essential for all vessel types, namely cost efficiency and short lead times.
Auramarine’s team of industry experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of future fuel requirements for your vessel’s fuel supply systems and to tailor solutions for your projects. We always look ahead and keep an eye on the future, ensuring your system is as flexible as possible to accommodate change.
Contact us to find the best solution to meet your vessel’s needs:
Tel.: +358 20 486 5030