Alternative Fuels

Aderco launches marine fuels app to provide bunker fuel data and technical support

App contains a wealth of information with real fuel data, useful for those wishing to understand the complexities of bunker fuels as applied in the maritime sector.

Published

3 years ago

March 31, 2022

Admin

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

Biofuel

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

UPA’s Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels in Seoul.

Published

12 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) on Thursday (24 April) said it is looking to position the port as a leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia.

UPA, Korea’s port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.

UPA's Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at a recent biofuel forum in Seoul, highlighting the port's strategic advantages including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise.

The presentation showcased UPA's commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia's “premier biofuel bunkering destination”.

“As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels,” stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon.

“Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centered biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.”

Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Center (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that “the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition.”

The 2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors.

The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors:

Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Leader Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Leader Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 25 April, 2025

Shipping Corridor

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe shipping corridor

Corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton.

Published

12 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe green shipping corridor

Korean non-government organisation Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) on Wednesday (23 April) released a report proposing the establishment of a green methanol-fuelled South Korea-Europe shipping corridor.

The proposed corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton, presenting strategic pathways for the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

South Korea has announced its “Greenship-K Program” to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly vessels and set a national goal to achieve a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 2050.

Focusing on a green methanol-fuelled Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) operation model, the report quantitatively assessed the potential for greenhouse gas reduction along key routes. Notably, the Bremerhaven–Pyeongtaek route alone is estimated to reduce more than 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, given its high cargo volume.

The report proposed the adoption of green methanol as the primary fuel for the corridor, with a long-term goal to transition toward e-methanol. This shift is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 70% compared to conventional fossil fuel use.

Beyond fuel switching, the report emphasised the importance of securing a stable green fuel supply chain, establishing supportive legal and institutional frameworks, and fostering close public-private cooperation among shipping companies, cargo owners, port operators, and fuel suppliers to make the corridor a viable reality.

“With these foundational elements in place, Pyeongtaek Port is well positioned to become the starting point of Korea’s transition toward a decarbonised maritime sector,” SFOC said.

Note: The full report by SFOC can be viewed here and it is also available in Korean here.

Photo credit: Solutions for Our Climate
Published: 25 April, 2025

Biofuel

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

NORDEN and MASH Make completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using B20 blend produced from a carbon-negative process; vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil.

Published

12 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

Global shipping company DS NORDEN and renewable energy company MASH Makes on Thursday (21 April) successfully completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using biofuel produced from a carbon-negative process.

The vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil, successfully using 65 tonnes of fuel blend with 20% MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine.

“This trial proves that MASH Makes’ biofuel is suitable for marine engines, and it marks an important milestone towards bringing the fuel into our operation,” said Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation and Climate Solutions, NORDEN.

The trial demonstrated that MASH Makes’ biofuel is technically a drop-in fuel, compatible with existing systems and capable of reducing reliance on fossil fuels in specific marine applications.

The results point to a practical path for shipowners to cut emissions without waiting for new infrastructure.

If the new agreement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to cap and price excess emissions globally is ratified in October 2025, MASH Makes offers a solution that enables shipowners to start significantly reducing their emissions well before the agreement takes effect in 2028.

“Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. It’s a seamless, scalable alternative ready to cut emissions today,” said MASH Makes CEO Jakob Bejbro Andersen.

Unlike emerging fuels like green hydrogen or ammonia, which require new infrastructure, MASH Makes biofuel integrates directly with existing systems.

NORDEN acquired a minority stake in MASH Makes in 2023 to strengthen its future supply of renewable fuels. Since the acquisition, the two companies have worked closely together to validate the biofuel for marine usage.

Photo credit: DS NORDEN
Published: 25 April, 2025