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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.

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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)

Oxidation Stability

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)

Rancimat Test EN14112

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.”

Acidity due to

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.

Microbial Growth

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

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Methanol

Kambara Kisen orders methanol dual-fuel bulker from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding

Firm ordered a 65,700-dwt methanol dual-fuel dry bulk carrier with Tsuneishi Shipbuilding; MOL signed a basic agreement on time charter for the newbuilding that is slated to be delivered in 2027.

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Kambara Kisen orders methanol dual-fuel bulker from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding

Japanese shipowner Kambara Kisen has ordered a 65,700-dwt methanol dual-fuel dry bulk carrier newbuilding from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, according to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) on Wednesday (20 September).

MOL said it signed a basic agreement on time charter for the newbuilding that is slated to be delivered in 2027. 

The vessel will be designed to use e-methanol produced primarily by synthesising recovered CO2 and hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, and bio-methanol derived from biogas. 

The vessel's design maximises cargo space while ensuring sufficient methanol tank capacity set to allow the required navigational distance assuming various routes, at the same time maximising cargo space. 

MOL added the vessel is expected to serve mainly in the transport of biomass fuels from the east coast of North America to Europe and the U.K. and within the Pacific region, as well as grain from the east coast of South America and the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe and the Far East.

Details on the time-charter contract:

Shipowner: Kambara Kisen wholly owned subsidiary
Charterer: MOL Drybulk Ltd.
Charter period 2027: -

Details on the newbuilding methanol dual fuel bulk carrier:

LOA: About 200 m
Breadth: About 32.25 m
Draft: About 13.80 m
Deadweight: About 65,700 MT
Hold capacity: About 81,500m3
Shipyard: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

Photo credit: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Published: 22 September, 2023

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Methanol

Argus Media: Alternatives may drive methanol market growth

Driven by low-carbon policies and regulations, the transportation sector — especially the marine fuels industry — could be a source of heightened demand, according to Argus.

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RESIZED Argus media

The growth of sustainable alternatives to traditional methanol production sources likely will shape the market over the next several years, industry leaders said this week at the Argus Methanol Forum.

20 September 

Driven by low-carbon policies and regulations, the transportation sector — especially the marine fuels industry — could be a source of heightened demand.

"The aim is to be net zero by 2050 but [those solutions are] expensive today and one of the main challenges to build e-methanol or bio-methanol plants is a huge queue for these pieces of equipment that aren't available," Anita Gajadhar, executive director for Swiss-based methanol producer Proman, said.

Bio-based and e-methanol plants of commercial scale, like Proman's natural gas-fed 1.9 million metric tonne/yr M5000 plant in Trinidad and Tobago, are not ready today.

"But that's not to say 10 years from now they won't be there," Gajadhar added.

Smaller projects are popping up. Dutch fuels and gas supplier OCI Global announced plans last week to double the green methanol capacity at its Beaumont, Texas, facility to 400,000 t/yr and will add e-methanol to production for the first time. Production will use feedstocks such as renewable natural gas (RNG), green hydrogen and biogas.

The globally oversupplied methanol market will not get any major supply additions starting in 2024 until 2027. But that oversupply will not last long, Gajadhar said.

Global demand has slowed this year, driven by stagnate economic growth and higher interest rates, according to industry observers.

As much as half of methanol demand is tied to GDP growth, with total methanol demand estimates at 88.9mn t globally in 2023. This is essentially flat from 2022, but up from 88.3m t in 2021 and 87.7mn t in 2020, Dave McCaskill, vice-president of methanol and derivatives for Argus Media's consulting service, said.

Demand is not expected to rebound to 2019 levels of 89.6mn t until 2024 or 2025, he added.

The period of oversupply combined with lackluster demand places methanol in a transition period, Gajadhar said, which opens the door for sustainable feedstock alternatives to shape market growth.

Danish container shipping giant Maersk and French marine logistics company CMA-CGM announced earlier this week a partnership to drive decarbonization in shipping. The partnership seeks to develop fuel and operations standards for bunkering with alternative fuels. The companies will develop net-zero solutions, including new technology and alternative fuels.

Maersk has previously ordered dual-fuel methanol-powered vessels and CMA-CGM LNG-propelled vessels.

The demand for alternative feedstock-derived fuels is there, but the ability to scale-up such production lags. Certified lower-carbon methanol produced using carbon capture and sequestration — also known as blue methanol— can ramp up much more quickly, according to Gajadhar.

By Steven McGinn

Photo credit and source: Argus Media
Published: 22 September, 2023

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Biofuel

Royal Caribbean completes over 12 weeks of bio bunker fuel testing in Europe

Firm expanded its biofuel testing this summer in Europe to two additional ships — Royal Caribbean International’s “Symphony of the Seas” and Celebrity Cruises’ “Celebrity Apex”.

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Royal Caribbean completes over 12 weeks of bio bunker fuel testing in Europe

Royal Caribbean Group on Tuesday (19 September) said it successfully completed over 12 consecutive weeks of biofuel testing in Europe. 

Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas became the first ship in the maritime industry to successfully test and use a biofuel blend in Barcelona to meet part of her fuel needs. 

The company confirmed onboard technical systems met operational standards, without quality or safety concerns, demonstrating the biofuel blend is a reliable “drop in” supply of lower emission energy that ships can use to set sail across Europe and beyond. 

The tests across Europe also provided valuable data to understand the availability and scalability of biofuel in the region, the firm added. 

Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Royal Caribbean Group’s alternative fuel journey.”

“Following our successful trial of biofuels this summer, we are one step closer to bringing our vision for net-zero cruising to life. As we strive to protect and promote the vibrant oceans we sail, we are determined to accelerate innovation and improve how we deliver vacation experiences responsibly.”

President of the Port of Barcelona, Lluís Salvadó, said: “Royal Caribbean’s success is a clear example of how commitment to innovation makes possible the development of solutions to decarbonise the maritime sector.”

“In this case, it involves the cruise sector and focuses on biofuels, an area in which the Port of Barcelona is already working to become an energy hub, producing and supplying zero carbon fuels, such as green hydrogen and ammonia, and of other almost zero-carbon alternative fuels, such as methanol, biofuels or synthetic fuels. Innovation and collaboration between ports and shipping companies is key to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport.”

The company began testing biofuels last year and expanded the trail this summer in Europe to two additional ships — Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex

The sustainable biofuel blends tested were produced by purifying renewable raw materials like waste oils and fats and combining them with fuel oil to create an alternative fuel that is cleaner and more sustainable. The biofuel blends tested are accredited by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a globally recognized organization that ensures sustainability of biofuels and verifies reductions of related emissions.

With Symphony of the Seas departing from the Port of Barcelona and Celebrity Apex departing from the Port of Rotterdam, both ships accomplished multiple sailings using biofuel and contributed critical data on the fuel’s capabilities. 

“These results will help accelerate Royal Caribbean Group’s plans to continue testing the use of different types of biofuels on upcoming European sailings this fall. The company is exploring strategic partnerships with suppliers and ports to ensure the availability of biofuel and infrastructures to advance the maritime energy transition,” the firm said. 

Photo credit: Royal Caribbean Group 
Published: 22 September, 2023

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