Port of StocktonGeneva DryViganIMPA EventsBühler GmbHTelestack
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • TBA Group
  • Van Aalst
  • Vigan

Chevron keeps ships sailing amid VLSFO challenges

Chevron keeps ships sailing amid VLSFO challenges

(Posted on 19/01/21)

Chevron Marine Lubricants has helped ship owner customers identify and manage a distinctive engine condition challenge associated with the widespread switch to low-sulphur fuels.

Some ship owners using very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) have reported build-up of red deposits on piston crowns and top edges, sometimes combined with red iron burrs in scavenge ports. The deposits are associated with abnormal liner wear (or scuffing) since the fuel switch, particularly on older two-stroke marine engines.

Chevron used a four-step laboratory analysis to narrow down likely causes. The deposits were found to include a compound of materials including harmless detergent additive residue and iron oxide. The detergent residue was determined not to be a source of wear as the deposits were only found in single cylinders rather than across the engine.

The fuels associated with the red deposit and scuffing incidences were also analysed. Chevron found that the VLSFO blends involved showed differences from others in two fuel characteristics, typically a lower calculated carbon aromaticity index (CCAI) and high estimated cetane number (ECN).

Although VLSFO has been found to offer a typically higher energy value content than heavy fuel oil (HFO), and therefore can offer value for money, its combustion engine density properties can result in harsher operating conditions and more stress on the engine components. While most users transitioned smoothly, these properties can cause trouble for older engines, said Luc Verbeeke, Senior Engineer, Chevron Marine Lubricants.

“While newer ships do not have a problem using these fuels, engines already closer to an overhaul did struggle sometimes,” said Luc Verbeeke. “Cylinder units that could have run for another six months or a year on HFO did not survive the tougher conditions with the new fuels.”

An engine maintenance programme recommended by Chevron Marine Lubricants – supported by routine testing with Chevron's DOT.FAST onboard testing kit - helped to provide protection against liner wear and damage. Incidences of red deposits and scuffing that were relatively frequent in the early days of VLSFO operation have since reduced significantly.

Latest News

Dry bulk shipping bares brunt of Panama Canal water level crisis

(Posted on 03/12/23)

The Dry Bulk and LNG segments have borne the brunt of restricted transits, particularly due to their... Read more


CSM announces digital world-first crew Self-Assessment Tool

(Posted on 03/12/23)

Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) is set to further boost operational efficiency on its vessels, as crew... Read more


Shi.E.L.D. Services selects Spinergie for digitized bulk solutions

(Posted on 26/11/23)

Shi.E.L.D. Services has selected Spinergie as its preferred digitized solution provider to monitor and... Read more


Wellbeing and welfare boost for Indian maritime cadets

(Posted on 26/11/23)

Thousands of cadets and trainees in India will benefit from in-depth wellness training and support thanks... Read more


Sustainable dry bulk shipping solutions in focus at INTERCARGO forum

(Posted on 17/11/23)

As shipping continues its journey to decarbonisation, INTERCARGO will host a special forum in Athens... Read more


INTERCARGO statement on KMAX Ruler attack

(Posted on 13/11/23)

INTERCARGO was deeply saddened and concerned to hear of the reported appalling missile attack on the... Read more


New resources for crews and their support system

(Posted on 13/11/23)

A new-look Wellness at Sea Awareness Campaign for seafarers, their families and shore staff that &ldquo... Read more


DNV and AL Group to cooperate on CCS feasibility study

(Posted on 05/11/23)

Classification society DNV has entered into a Joint Development Project (JDP) with AL Group and its... Read more


DNV and Samsung collaborate on ROC for autonomous ships project

(Posted on 31/10/23)

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and leading classification society DNV have inked a Memorandum of Understanding... Read more


WISTA AGM ratifies new definition of diversity and equity

(Posted on 31/10/23)

WISTA International, during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 25 October... Read more


TMS Awards 2023Van AalstPort of South LouisianaCimbriaSailors SocietyTBA Group
  • Geneva Dry
  • Cimbria
  • Telestack

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping