Nyon-based fuel treatment technology specialist Aderco has recently launched a unique and industry first app for iOS and Android, designed to support both onboard officers and crew, as well as shore-based staff with regard to the often complex subject of fuel quality, increased hazards during bunker fuel changeover procedures, fuel lubricity, incompatibility of fuels, as well as the presence of catalytic fines and contaminants.

“We are super excited with our new app, which has been built entirely from inception to completion in just nine months, with the principal goals of offering ease of navigation, a fast download time and the ability for users to use the app offline, the latter being of particular importance for those serving at sea with potential connectivity challenges,” said Olivier Baiwir CEO of Aderco.

Key features of the Aderco app include:

• Fuel competences, fuel types and fuel compliance, including VSLFO, HFO, MGO and biofuel.
• Correct application of the Aderco products.
• A full support section encompassing onboard issues, FAQs, troubleshooting guide, a technical library, preventative treatment and curative treatment for both two stroke and four stroke engines.
• Videos covering fuel incompatibility and stability, water and catfines, as well as bacteria and biodiesel (FAME).
• Fuel data received directly into the app via VPS, the largest bunker fuel testing company for ship operators in the world, covering selected bunkering ports and duly incorporating a traffic light warning system.
• Aderco offices, contact points, stock points and partners.

Background to the creation and development of the easy-to-use, on-the-go app was recognising the high demand for Aderco to provide fuel data and technical support in one centralised place worldwide, more especially in respect of those customers and crew onboard facing fuel issues and how best to correctly commence and apply the fuel treatment process, says the company.

The app contains a wealth of information, useful for those wishing to understand the complexities of fuels as applied in the maritime sector. The addition of real fuel data can also provide early indications of potential issues.

“Evidenced by the launch of our app, Aderco today is very much a forward-thinking company, consistently driving innovation to enhance the performance of energy transition,” said Baiwir.

“Modern oil distillates are blends of straight-run and chemically transformed products. Shorter shelf-life, reduced stability or rapid deterioration due to contamination and solids precipitation are increasingly common issues that directly impact the combustion process.

“Our unique organic fuel treatment technology delivers holistic, end-to-end solutions providing optimum results in terms of efficiency, economy and, above all, the environment.”

In addition to Aderco’s normal day-to-day activities, particular focus has concentrated in offering practical solutions and help for those ships which have become affected when experiencing fuel problems.

Such issues requiring to be addressed, invariably relate to fuel quality, including the areas of total sediment, pour point, catfines, CCAI, viscosity, acid number and chemical contaminants, with typical challenges being sticking plungers, damaged injection valves, broken rings, cracked pistons and even bent connecting rods. To this end, the new app will help identify the fuel related issue.

In many cases, Aderco is able to help a ship suffering from fuel contamination get back to port safely, being the most effective short-term solution to engine contamination resulting from poorly blended fuels. Fuels with high sediment will result in excessive sludge in tanks which can lead to engine fuel starvation due to blocked and inefficient filters.

“We believe it is possible to make meaningful progress in mastering organic surfactant technology, to reduce global emissions whilst embracing the power of optimized fuel-based energy,” states Baiwir.

“Fuel remains an essential part of global trade and logistics and will likely continue to be so for the foreseeable future. Our ambition is to fully support the industry, including the use of biofuels, whilst striving for greater sustainability and environmental security.”

Download Aderco’s new marine fuels app here:

Photo credit: Aderco
Published: 31 March, 2022