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
Former INTERCARGO Chairman, Dr Spyros M Polemis, passes away
(Posted on 24/07/24)INTERCARGO, the association of dry bulk shipping companies, has released the following statement:&ldquo... Read more
Joint study of ammonia fuelled bulk carriers
(Posted on 22/07/24)ITOCHU Corporation, ClassNK, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (... Read more
WISTA UK celebrates 50 years of championing diversity and inclusion
(Posted on 22/07/24)The Women's International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK) marked its 50th anniversary... Read more
Accidents on ships under scrutiny as InterManager submits statistics to IMO
(Posted on 16/07/24)Accidents onboard ships are not decreasing, according to latest accident statistics submitted to the... Read more
Solutions required for FuelEU Maritime rules compliance, says Columbia
(Posted on 16/07/24)Solutions must be in place to help ship owners with navigating the complex challenges of complying with... Read more
Boers committed to diversity with relocation of Filipino employees to Germany
(Posted on 16/07/24)Diversity and nurturing talent is high on the agenda for BCS Group – Boers Crew Services as it... Read more
INTERCARGO joins industry calls for IMO to amend flaws in CII
(Posted on 12/07/24)With discussions regarding the IMO’s (International Maritime Organization) Carbon Intensity Indicator... Read more
ICS Türkiye branch celebrates its inauguration in Istanbul
(Posted on 12/07/24)The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), the professional body for the commercial shipping industry... Read more
Columbia Group and Crowley forge strategic US alliance
(Posted on 12/07/24)Columbia Group and Crowley have signed a strategic cooperation agreement that broadens both companies... Read more
Inmarsat report advocates data sharing to address preventable incidents
(Posted on 04/07/24)The 2024 edition of The Future of Maritime Safety Report from Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, reveals... Read more
