Alternative Fuels

Test results of independent laboratories confirm positive impact of Aderco 2055G on biofuel bunker fuel storage

‘There are different types of biofuels, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks in terms of stability, acidity and microbial growth,’ Philippe Lecloux, Aderco Group Head of Marine, tells Manifold Times.

Published

2 years ago

October 13, 2022

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Aderco, a fuel treatment technology specialist with roots originating from the maritime industry, has completed tests of its Aderco 2055G additive on biofuels with several independent laboratories, learns Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.

“One of the ways to comply with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s regulation for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction is through the use of biofuel or biofuel blends as a marine fuel,” says Philippe Lecloux, Aderco Group Head of Marine.

“There are different types of biofuels, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks in terms of stability, acidity and microbial growth.”

OXIDATIVE STABILITY

Properties of biofuel may have an impact on the materials used and how they are stored, according to Lecloux.

The higher acid levels in biofuels have a greater potential to induce corrosion in fuel supply systems if allowed to oxidise.

Biodiesel, in particular, is more sensitive to oxidative breakdown than VLSFO due to its higher organic chemical content.

He notes Aderco 2055G having the ability to delay the appearance of volatile by-products and hence, increase the time period before biofuel starts to oxidise.

Under laboratory studies, Aderco 2055G was dosed in three palm-based biofuels with varying levels of blend percentage. In all three samples, oxidation delay increased with the use of the additive. (Results below)

In a second test, three B100 fuels were tested for rancimat. In the case of B100 Biofuga and B100 Verbio, the induction time of biodiesel almost double in the presence of 2055G. (Results below)

ACIDITY DUE TO OXIDISATION

Once oxidative elements are present in biofuel, the fuel blend starts to become acidic which can increase in intensity if the fuel is left untreated – leading to corrosion in the storage tank and damage to the fuel system, informs Lecloux.

“In advanced stages, this could lead to increased fuel acidity, which could result in corrosion in the fuel system and accumulation of deposits in pumps and injectors,” he shares.

“Some types of hoses and gaskets could degrade, leading to loss of integrity and interaction with some metallic material such as copper, brass, and lead among others.”

In general, test results (above) showed the pH of all three samples decreasing slightly with the water content remaining stable during the test period of 31 days.

Results further showed Aderco 2055G decreasing the acidity of biodiesel+ 2% water mixture; this is due to the basicity of Aderco 2055G which negates the acidity developed in the fuel.

MICROBIAL GROWTH

Tests from independent laboratories also showed Aderco 2055G being an effective inhibitor against microbial development, states Lecloux.

“Bacteria and mould can form in biodiesel fuel when being exposed to condensed water [found within storage tanks] and microbial proliferation results in excessive sludge development, blocked filters, and clogged pipes,” he notes.

Analysis measuring Colony Forming Units (UFCs) showed the effectiveness of Aderco 2055G in inhibiting the development of the colonies. In summary, studies (above) showed:

Microbial growth in biodiesel with 2% water (without Aderco 2055G) doubles after 6 days of test.
Addition of Aderco 2055G to biodiesel with 2% water prevented the growth of bacteria all through 31 days.

“Aderco 2055G forms a selectively permeable barrier between water and fuel and only allows water to pass through and settle at the bottom of the tank,” explains Lecloux.

“The creation of the barrier prevents microbes and bacteria from reaching and contaminating the fuel. Careful and regular draining of water facilitates the removal of these organisms.”

Note: All tests were conducted by independent laboratories with guidance from Aderco. Complete test documentation and case studies can be requested from Aderco's Technical Department ([email protected]).

About Philippe Lecloux

Philippe Lecloux, Aderco Group Head of Marine, began his career at sea in 1984 and served 17 years as Chief Engineer on board complex oil and chemical carriers owned, operated and managed by blue-chip European players. He is a graduate of the Antwerp Marine Academy (Belgium).

Philippe also gained shore-based experience as Technical Manager, supervising a fleet of ice-class chemical tankers.

He later moved to Singapore as Technical Director where he developed and successfully headed a new ship management division and various other projects. In 2013, the prestigious Lloyd’s List Asia Awards rewarded his team in the Training category.

Since January 2017, Philippe has been spearheading the Aderco Group’s development in the dynamic Asia/Pacific/Oceania markets.

Photo credit: Aderco
Published: 13 October, 2022

LNG Bunkering

China: Ningbo Zhoushan Port completes first LNG bunkering operation for 2025

Bunkering vessel “Hai Yang Shi You 302” supplied more than 10,000 cubic metres of LNG bunker fuel to containership “MSC Adya” at the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port port on 5 January.

Published

3 days ago

January 10, 2025

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China: Ningbo Zhoushan Port completes first LNG bunkering operation for 2025

Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone Zhoushan Area on Wednesday (8 January) said Ningbo-Zhoushan Port successfully completed its first LNG bunkering operation for the year.

Bunkering vessel Hai Yang Shi You 302 supplied more than 10,000 cubic metres (m3) of LNG bunker fuel to containership MSC Adya at the port on 5 January.

Zhejiang Seaport International Trading, the bunker supplier for the operation, successfully obtained the Zhoushan Anchorage LNG bunkering licence in June 2024, extending refuelling services from dock to sea.

The company’s services cover Meishan, Chuanshan, Daxie and other port areas.

As China's first river-sea LNG transport and bunkering ship, Hai Yang Shi You is currently placed permanently at Ningbo Zhoushan Port, providing a variety of bunkering methods such as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore.

Zhejiang Seaport International Trading will continue to expand the scope of bonded LNG bunkering operations and new alternative fuels such as green methanol, ammonia and biofuels in the Zhoushan Area.

Photo credit: Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone Zhoushan Area
Published: 10 January, 2025

Nuclear

VARD and partners team up to explore nuclear propulsion for shipping

Project, which involves Knutsen Tankers and DNV, will evaluate fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications.

Published

3 days ago

January 10, 2025

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VARD and partners team up in project to explore nuclear propulsion for shipping

Norway-based shipbuilder VARD on Friday (3 January) said it has partnered with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Ålesund, Norway and other key stakeholders in the NuProShip I project, which explores nuclear propulsion for the maritime sector.

NuProShip, short for "Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping," will evaluate fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications.

In this project, an extensive assessment of 99 companies developing advanced reactor technologies led to the selection of three promising reactor types:

Kairos Power (USA): Fluoride high-temperature molten salt reactor using Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles, designed for robust and efficient operation.
Ultrasafe (USA): Helium-cooled gas reactor, also employing TRISO fuel particles, known for their resilience and safety in extreme conditions.
Blykalla (Sweden): Lead-cooled reactor concept utilizing uranium oxide as fuel, offering high efficiency with advanced cooling mechanisms.

VARD said TRISO fuel particles, noted for their durability and containment properties, play a crucial role in two of these reactor types.

“TRISO technology in fact, is renowned as one of the most resilient nuclear fuel types available today,” it added.

Alongside VARD, the NuProShip project is supported by other partners, including DNV, the Norwegian Maritime Administration, ship owner Knutsen Tankers, and the Spanish nuclear consultancy IDOM.

VARD’s primary contribution involves integrating these reactor systems into various vessel types, assessing the technical challenges to enable the future commercial use of nuclear-powered ships.

Photo credit: VARD
Published: 10 January, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: KPI OceanConnect, partners deliver first renewable diesel to cruise industry

Delivery of bunker fuel from Neste was made at Singapore Cruise Terminal, with the fuel sourced from Vopak Penjuru Terminal and transported to a cruise ship via barge “Maple”, operated by Global Energy.

Published

4 days ago

January 9, 2025

Admin

Singapore: KPI OceanConnect, partners deliver first renewable diesel to cruise industry

Global provider of marine energy solutions KPI OceanConnect on Wednesday (8 January) said it partnered with Neste and Global Energy on the first successful delivery of renewable diesel, also known as HVO100, for the cruise industry in Singapore.

The landmark delivery of Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ took place in November 2024 and marked a significant milestone for the Asia-Pacific marine sector.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ is made from 100% renewable raw materials and is a direct replacement for fossil diesel, helping the industry meet its sustainability goals.

The use of this renewable diesel can result in up to 90% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction over its lifecycle compared to fossil diesel.

The fuel is a drop-in solution and is suitable for all diesel-powered engines without the need for additional investment or modification to engines or fuel infrastructure.

The delivery of renewable diesel from Neste was made at the Singapore Cruise Terminal, with the fuel sourced from Vopak Penjuru Terminal and transported to the cruise ship via bunker barge Maple, operated by Global Energy.

KPI OceanConnect facilitated the successful delivery of the renewable diesel, working closely with the vessel's technical team to ensure engine compliance. KPI OceanConnect collaborated with Neste to source the fuel and with Global Energy for operational agreements in Singapore waters.

Ee Pin Lee, Head of Commercial APAC, Renewable Products at Neste, said: "This first supply of Neste MY Renewable Diesel to the marine sector in Asia-Pacific is a significant milestone and demonstrates the versatility of the product across a wide range of applications where it can replace fossil diesel. It is an effective solution for enabling the marine sector to be more sustainable."

Chow Munee, Group Business Manager, Global Energy, added: “Partnering with Neste and KPI OceanConnect to supply renewable diesel to the marine sector in Singapore is an important step in helping our clients reduce their environmental impact. By providing seamless and reliable delivery of HVO, we are supporting the industry’s transition without compromising operational efficiency. We’re proud to play a role in driving these crucial efforts within the maritime sector.”

Jesper Sørensen, Head of Alternative Fuels and Carbon Markets at KPI OceanConnect, said: “We are proud to be industry first movers in sourcing and delivering HVO for our clients, helping them reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their environmental goals. By working closely with Neste and Global Energy, we were able to offer high-quality biofuel to our client, laying the groundwork for further fuel uptake and decarbonisation progress. This successful delivery is a testament to how partnerships can help advance the industry’s green transition.”

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 9 January, 2025