International fuel testing and inspection company Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) on Tuesday (28 April) introduced a new service that tests and monitors marine fuels under long term storage conditions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a reduced demand for all refined products including marine fuels, resulting in these products being stored for extended times, it said.
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) all have different properties and formulations which can be negatively affected due to longer-term storage.
Although longer-term storage of marine fuels is possible, it increases the risk of fuel quality issues arising from temperature, stratification, fuel stability, catfine settling, waxing and microbial growth.
Since these fuels usually have a fast turnover, long-term storage increases the risk of fuel quality deterioration. Routine testing and monitoring these fuels in storage can alleviate these risks.
VPS adds the newly introduced service is relevant to fuel suppliers with floating storage, and vessel owners or operators with ships under cold lay-up or hot lay-up conditions.
The data, comprehensive service and expertise that the service provides aims to help clients make informed decisions to avoid fuel quality deterioration while preserving its value.
Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 29 April, 2020
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