Please upgrade your Flash plugin in order to view this special feature. It's easy, quick and free!

Date: 3rd November 2009

Bio Diesel (Fame) Causes Concern in the Marine Application

With the spotlight firmly focused on climate change and increased pressure on shipping to reduce Green House Gases and SOx emissions, Biodiesel jumps out as an obvious solution for use in marine applications.

Current EU legislation ensures that automotive diesel is blended with 7% FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester). It therefore may come as no surprise that FAME (bio-diesel) is finding its way into the marine fuel supply chain. GMT has identified several occurrences where FAME has been used as a blend stock in marine distillates to reduce the sulphur content to meet the 0.10% ECA specification limit. We can now expect the probability of contamination to increase as demand for 0.10% sulphur distillate grows.

So what is the problem? FAME is good for the environment, creates lower exhaust emissions, has low sulphur and is biodegradable. Should FAME be used as a blend stock in Marine Fuels & what affects will it have on the safe operation of the vessel?

FAME is a relatively new product to the Marine sector with limited long term practical experience in its affects on Marine propulsion systems; however the limited information available has identified specific issues with treatment, engine operations, storage and handling.

  • Characteristics of FAME that should be considered for use in the marine application are:
  • Poor Oxidation Stability leading to long term storage issues
  • Hygroscopic affinity to absorb water with increased risk of microbial growth
  • Difficulties in maintaining homogenous blends
  • FAME material sticks to exposed surfaces (metal & glass) including filter elements
  • Demonstrates poor flow characteristics when at low temperatures

May be corrosive to certain materials. Rubber gaskets, hoses & seals may swell
Currently ISO 8217 Marine Fuels Specification does NOT allow for the use of bio diesel (FAME) to be used as a marine fuel or as a blend component in marine fuels as it is not, “a homogeneous blend of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining” as stated in the standard.

Considering the above information we would not recommend that FAME becomes an accepted component of bunkers nor should you accept this as a blend in your bunkers. Until sufficiently more research has been conducted which can conclusively address the many unanswered questions, FAME remains an unwanted contaminant.

GMT are able to scan routine bunker samples for FAME and other chemical contamination with a same day result so that it can be included as part of the standard GMT fuel testing service.

 

For more information or advice please contact:

Telephone: +44 (0)1642 440991
Telefax: +44 (0)1642 458537
Email: info@gmtlab.com

Home - About GMT - Why Do Fuel Testing? - Our Services - Client Specific Details - Latest News - Contact Details
Copyright © 2011 Guardian Marine Testing Ltd. All rights reserved. Registered in England & Wales. Company registration number: 06428883.
Tel: +44 (0)1642 440991. E-mail: info@gmtlab.com