This page has been created to help keep all our customers up to date. The Marine Technical sales teams have collated industry articles and insights from around the globe and will continue to share information and update this page. To make sure you are on top of IMO 2020 register below for updates.
From 1 January 2020 there will be a mandatory requirement to use marine fuels with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5% by mass. Don't wait for deadline day to get ship shape. Now is the time to get your storage tanks and fuel handling system ready to accept compliant fuel.
Take Action NowBy the end of 2019 all major fuel suppliers should be selling VLSFO that complies with IMO 2020. The question for ship operators is how to make sure this new fuel does not cause compatibility and stability issues.
Extensive testing of VLSFO by Innospec, using samples taken from around the world, reveals that most of these new fuels are highly unstable when mixed, even at a ratio of 10:90. Official guidance suggests segregating VLSFO, but given that many vessels operate with a limited number of storage tanks, implementation is not always straightforward. It is also important to note that the oil majors will not be taking responsibility for fuel stability after its expiry date. Ship operators must find their own solution to these issues, especially if fuel is mixed onboard.
Take Action NowOctamar™ HF-10 Plus stabilises fuel blends and reduces sludge. It ensures most of the VLSFO’s currently available in the market can be used safely on-board (Sep 2019).
Octamar™ Ultra HF provides a complete solution for VLSFO. It delivers better fuel blend stability, improved combustion and cleaner engines with reduced soot formation.
Octamar™ BT series contains an innovative proprietary component that acts as a dispersant and stabiliser. The dispersant stabiliser acts to simulate resins that surround asphaltenes. With the resins in place, asphaltenes remain stable and in suspension within the fuel.
However, when this additive attaches to precipitated asphaltenes (sludge), it has a polar function which brings the asphaltene back into the fuel. This makes it a very effective tank cleaner. What is more, using fuel additive technology like this is much easier than traditional manual cleaning methods and it works out far more cost-effective, saving time and money.
Certain flag states have been calling for an experience building phase based around safety concerns of an unknown fuel, some are saying it is a thinly veiled attempt to delay 2020.
North P&I Club is a leading marine mutual liability insurer providing P&I, FD&D, war risks and ancillary insurance to 147 million GT of owned tonnage and 60 million GT of chartered tonnage (at February 2019).
Download Option 1 Download Option 2 Download Option 3UK refineries are in good shape ahead of the looming sulfur spec change, which is set to cripple crack spreads on fuel oil and send middle distillate profits soaring.
Read NowThere is much noise these days surrounding IMO2020 and its effect on the commercial shipping sector moving forward.
Read NowThe captain of a cruise ship found to be burning fuel with excessive sulphur levels has been fined €100,000 (£88,500) in a Marseille court, the first such ruling in France.
Read NowEveryone has a perspective on the direction and outcome of the forthcoming IMO 2020 regulations from the refiners to the vessel operators and everyone in between within the supply chain.
Read NowMichael Banning of Innospec highlights the importance of rigorous onboard fuel storage system preperation well in advance of IMO 202, including tank cleaning and the use of additives.
Read NowMichael Banning from Innospec's Marine Fuel Specialties division charts the development of its fuel additives, and outlines the properties of its new, independently tested, heavy fuel oil treatment, Octamar Complete.
Read NowMichael Green of Intertek ShipCare and Michael Banning from Innospec review the findings of a follow-up study on the use of distillate fuel grades and lubricity issues - and also provide some insights into the uptake of recent revisions of ISO 8217.
Read NowNew statistics from the French Ministry of Environment would seem to support earlier US Coast Guard findings over loss of propulsion during fuel changeovers in emission control areas. Ian Crutchley of Innospec looks at the facts and discusses the role of fuel additives in mitigating the risks.
Read NowCold temperature behaviour in the marine distillate fuels has become a serious operational concern since the turn of 2015. Michael Banning of Innospec explores the reasons behind the issue, and reviews different techniques to assess cold flow properties.
Read NowA number of newsletters will be produced to provide more information around how to prepare for IMO 2020 in the most cost effective method. Download the latest here, or register for free copies below.
