‘Many aspects’ of trials on Maersk ship ‘successful’
Quadrise Fuels International says that “many aspects” of its sea trials of its a low cost alternative to heavy fuel oil, MSAR emulsion fuel, have been successful. The successes included general handling of the product and bunkering of the vessel, long term (over one year) storage of test fuel at ambient temperatures, and importantly confirming the emissions reduction potential of Marine MSAR.
However Quadrise says that, during this first assessment, it was not possible to fully optimise engine performance, as the test configuration afforded limited scope for relevant “in service” adjustments. It adds that these recent results have provided the necessary data for future adjustment and assessments.
The company noted: “This was the first time that commercial oil-in-water emulsion fuel has been trialled in 2-stroke marine diesel applications of this scale. As advised in previous reports, major innovative fuels development programmes require sufficient time for analysis of data, correction of any deficiencies and exploitation of opportunities revealed by the results of ‘in service’ performance.
According to Quadrise, further marine engine and in-service tests are planned in the second half of the year with the support of Maersk, candidate refineries and major engine manufacturers. On completion, the programme is planned to move to the next phase involving use of MSAR? fuel in a sample of the Maersk fleet.
Quadrise’s chairman Ian Williams said: “As expected by QFI and our Joint Development Programme partners , this first ‘in service’ assessment has yielded valuable data to inform and guide progression to commercial availability of our Marine MSAR fuels. In particular, the confirmation of potential emissions related environmental benefits is a key outcome. We are especially encouraged by the continued support and enthusiasm of our partners in this ‘game changing’ venture.”
Source: World Bunkering