Shipping firm Teekay Marine has released an “Innovation Opportunity” for IT firms to solve as part of Smart Port Challenge (SPC) 2018, a six-month programme that aims to catalyse digital transformation in the maritime industry, was held in conjunction with the launch of PIER71.
In short, the firm is looking to use blockchain technology to share marine fuel test results at various points in bunker supply chain.
The challenge statement issued by Teekay Marine is as follows:
Fuel used by oil tankers is known as bunkers, which consist of residuals from crude oil distillation. These residuals contain impurities that can be detrimental to vessel engines operation and performance. Level of impurities exceeding specified limits can lead to increased maintenance cost and equipment breakdown.
There have been instances when disallowed chemicals in bunkers affected engine performance, causing problems like fuel pump seizure, main engine liner, piston ring wear and tear and breakage. In extreme cases of high impurities content, a costly de-bunkering operation (offloading bunker fuel from ships) is required.
Purifiers and filtering systems are used on board to minimise impurities before fuel is pumped, however these systems have limitations. Moreover, due to stringent IMO regulations imposing caps on sulphur dioxide and other emissions, fuel treatment is getting more complex. Lack of thorough fuel testing at source and missing transparency along the supply chain creates a domino effect of mixing various bunker products throughout.
Teekay Marine seeks solutions that leverage blockchain technology to incentivize interested and genuine parties to share critical information on fuel test results as well as products supplied at various points in the supply chain.
Another bunkering initiative has been suggested at SPC 2018.
Singapore-based bunker tanker operator Sinanju Tankers Holdings and shipping company Pacific Carriers Limited, has call for the development of a ‘real-time’ system to track the timing of vessel arrivals.
Related: Singapore: PIER71 maritime innovation initiative launched
Related: Singapore: IT firms to tackle bunker operations optimisation
Published: 8 June, 2018
‘Pipe in pipe’ solution is designed to solve corrosion problems associated with open-loop scrubber washwater discharge; majority scrubber systems installed are of open-loop configuration.
In preparation for helping vessels meet an upcoming mandatory IMO mandate effective 1 March, 2018.
Upgrade is based on Wärtsilä’s adaptive combustion phasing control technology and works by marginally reducing the engine’s charge air pressure and lambda.
Yara Birkeland scheduled for launch in early 2020, and will gradually move to autonomous operation by 2022.
‘Contract marks our breakthrough in Asia and is a key milestone that strengthens our position internationally,” says Zinus CEO Endre Eidsvik.
ENGINE’s physical pricing for HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO fuel oil in Rotterdam, Singapore, Houston and Fujairah will be available on the FIS Live platform.
Glander International Bunkering (Norway) AS seeking payment of USD 115,963.52 (not including contractual compensation and interests) from the vessel’s demise charterer, according to court documents.
“In TotalEnergies, we already have projects along the e-Fuel value chain, from green electricity and green / blue hydrogen to e-Fuel production that will be integrated along the marine fuels value chain in time to come,” shares Louise Tricoire.
Buyers can nominate deliveries on platform and plan operations together with suppliers following ‘one single truth’ concept with all players aware of what has been agreed when and by whom, says DNV spokesman.
Rotterdam’s intention to mandate the usage of MFMs goes down well with licensed bunker supplier VT Group; MFM providers supportive of move but stressed continuous monitoring is needed for optimum performance.
Cost of alternative bunker fuels, bunker operations and technology advancement are some considerations to be examined by the maritime industry, says Neo, director of SDE International Pte Ltd.
Kim Hyung Joon and Han Donghoon were planning to join the Singapore entities of Hartree Group - either Hartree Partners Singapore Pte Ltd or Hartree Marine Fuels - in October, discovered management.
