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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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Philippe Lecloux

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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Environment

IMO Secretary-General: Net-Zero Framework sends clear demand signal to bunker fuel producers

New regulations will require investment for decarbonisation to take place, states Arsenio Dominguez.

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Shipping gears up for massive investments in decarbonization 2 medium

The global shipping industry is preparing for a net-zero transformation that will have a sector-wide impact on everything from supply chains and business models, to ships, ports and the maritime workforce, said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

IMO approved new regulations for net-zero marine fuels and emissions in April, set for adoption in October. Calls for investments in decarbonisation are getting louder.

“Regulations alone cannot do the job. We need technological development and we need alternative fuels… And that can only happen in one way – with investment,” he said, speaking at the Blue Economy Finance Forum in Monaco (8 June).

This includes investing in scaling up production of alternative bunker fuels in large enough quantities to replace the 350 million tonnes of fuel oil currently burned by ships each year.

Upgrading port infrastructure and bunker operations will also be required to safely provide clean energy for ships when they call at ports around the world.

“The liner industry has already invested USD 150 billion in decarbonisation. It is unprecedented for the transport sector,” said President of the World Shipping Council, Joe Kramek. “But we need the fuel supply… it’s a tremendous investment opportunity.”

The new set of regulations, known as the “IMO Net-Zero Framework”, takes a two- pronged approach: a global fuel standard that limits the greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel intensity of marine fuels, and a price placed on the GHG emissions from ships.

The regulations send a clear demand signal to fuel producers, while rewarding ‘first movers’ – shipping companies who take the risk to adopt low- and zero-emission solutions early, and who are then able to share their experiences and expertise with others.

The IMO Net-Zero Framework works alongside earlier measures adopted by IMO to enhance energy-efficient ship design, operational improvements and carbon intensity ratings. They will be reviewed every five years, with emission limits tightened over time.

Related: IMO MPEC 83 approves net-zero regulations for global shipping

 

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 17 June 2025

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Newbuilding

NYK Group’s first methanol-fuelled bulk carrier “Green Future” delivered

Vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.

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Green Future MT

NYK Group on 13 May received delivery of Green Future, the company’s first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier, at the TSUNEISHI Factory of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. where a naming and delivery ceremony was also held, it said on Thursday (14 June).

The vessel will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd., an NYK Group company, from KAMBARA KISEN Co., Ltd.

It is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.

“Methanol has a lower environmental impact than fuel oil, and by using bio-methanol and e-methanol produced using hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources and recovered carbon dioxide, the vessel achieves significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” it said.

Vessel Particulars
LOA: 199.99 m
Breadth: 32.25 m
Depth: 19.15 m
Deadweight: approx. 65,700 metric tons
Capacity: approx. 81,500 m3
Draft: 13.8 m

Related: Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK
Related: Japan: NYK to time-charter its first methanol-fuelled bulk carrier

 

Photo credit: NYK Group
Published: 17 June 2025

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Ammonia

Yara Clean Ammonia voices support for ammonia bunkering pilot

Pilot has generated crucial real-world data and best practices for future ammonia bunkering operations globally.

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Yara ammonia STS operation

Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA), the world’s largest trader and distributor of ammonia, on Friday (13 June) announced its key role in a landmark maritime decarbonisation initiative led by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD).

The successful completion of the first-ever ship-to-ship transfer (STS) of ammonia at anchorage in Western Australia marks a major milestone in paving the way for ammonia as a viable marine fuel, it said.

Under the supervision of the Pilbara Port Authority (PPA), the pilot took place within the anchorage area of Port Dampier, simulating real-world bunkering conditions and demonstrating that ammonia transfer can be executed safely and effectively offshore.

According to YCA, the trial builds on the insights from GCMD’s prior safety study in Singapore and confirms that, with the right controls in place, ammonia STS transfers at anchorage are both safe and scalable.

The pilot has also generated crucial real-world data and best practices for future ammonia bunkering operations globally.

“This successful trial is a pivotal step towards building trust in ammonia as a zero-to-near-zero emission (ZNZ) maritime fuel,” said Murali Srinivasan SVP Commercial in Yara Clean Ammonia.

“It’s the result of world-class collaboration and careful planning—and it shows that with the right safeguards, ammonia bunkering is not only feasible but practical.”

 

Photo credit: Yara Clean Ammonia
Published: 17 June 2025

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