Alfa Laval introduces the marine industry’s first biofuel-ready separators
(Posted on 27/01/23)
Biofuels are a current and accessible fuel option that can help marine customers decarbonize. Yet while biofuels reduce CO2 footprint, they also pose new operational challenges. Alfa Laval is first in the market to address them with biofuel-optimized separators and separator upgrades.
Biofuels like HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) can be used by diesel engines without major engine modifications. They can be a carbon-neutral alternative if produced from the right biomass, but they must still be cleaned effectively to prevent performance issues and expensive engine wear. In a marine industry first, Alfa Laval high-speed separators are now compatible with HVO (EN15940) and with FAME (EN14214 or ASTM D6751) blends comprising residual fuel and/or distillate.
“We are proud to support our customers’ decarbonization journey, no matter which fuel path they take,” says Markus Hoffmann, Global Sales Manager, Marine Separation & Heat Transfer Equipment, Alfa Laval. “Biofuels will be the choice for many marine vessels, but customers must be certain that their equipment is prepared for them. With biofuel-ready separators and cost-efficient biofuel upgrades, Alfa Laval can provide that certainty.”
Biofuels are already in widespread use, and ISO is looking to incorporate them into the 2024 revision of ISO 8217. Nevertheless, they can be prepared in various ways and differ widely in their characteristics – both from conventional fuels and from each other. Because of differences in density, moisture absorption and more, they demand additional care when it comes to fuel storage and treatment.
To ensure optimal biofuel separation, Alfa Laval has modified both internal bowl components and the separator software. This makes setting up for HVO, FAME blends or conventional fuels a simple parameter change. Incorporated into new Alfa Laval separators for purchase, the developments are also available as upgrades for existing separators.
“Optimizing for biofuels is nothing that occurs overnight,” says Hoffmann. “Our biofuel-ready separators build on deep fuel insights, extensive research at the Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre and long cooperation with ISO and CIMAC. As biofuels continue to evolve, customers can count on Alfa Laval for efficient engine protection, just as they have with conventional marine fuels.”
Latest News
CMT: Expanded IMO data collection rule needs engine monitoring rethink
(Posted on 14/01/26)Shipowners and managers are being reminded to review onboard fuel-measurement and data-capture practices... Read more
Cavotec signs second major reel contract from Civmec for Port Hedland
(Posted on 14/01/26)Cavotec has signed another contract with Australian construction and engineering company Civmec for... Read more
Samuel Schär is the new CEO of Bühler Group
(Posted on 06/01/26)As announced in April 2025, Samuel Schär has assumed his position as CEO of Bühler, effective... Read more
Smart Ship Hub expects breakthrough year for digitalisation in 2026
(Posted on 23/12/25)Leading vessel performance platform Smart Ship Hub says the industry should expect a breakthrough year... Read more
Accelerating zero-carbon shipping in the Nordics
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Nordic countries are taking an important step towards decarbonising maritime transport with the... Read more
Steelpaint appoints ADD Marine to drive growth in Greece and Cyprus
(Posted on 18/12/25)Germany’s Steelpaint has appointed ADD Marine as its representative for Greece and Cyprus, strengthening... Read more
Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made rail car built by Gemco in Karratha
(Posted on 09/12/25)Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made iron ore rail car has rolled off the production line in Karratha... Read more
Electric Liebherr portal crane strengthens Baria Serece, Vietnam
(Posted on 04/12/25)Precision meets progress at Phu My Port, Vietnam. The LPS 550 has been deployed to handle bulk commodities... Read more
bound4blue targets Asian growth with new production capabilities
(Posted on 02/12/25)bound4blue, a global leader in wind propulsion systems, has expanded its industrial footprint in Asia... Read more
DNV: Methanol as marine fuel at high readiness level
(Posted on 02/12/25)As the industry explores multiple decarbonisation pathways, methanol is gaining attention as a practical... Read more
