Chevron takes temperature of 2020 fuel switch
(Posted on 17/08/20)
After over half a year of low-sulphur fuel operations for international shipping, Chevron Marine Lubricants has distilled its experiences of working with new fuels and lubricants into a new whitepaper published today.
‘Taking the Temperature of the 2020 fuel sulphur switch’ includes findings based on work with ship operators worldwide to manage the transition from traditional high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) to very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) – the most widely used means of complying with IMO’s 2020 regulation. The paper also explores what these experiences mean for shipping as it prepares for even greater changes in the future, as decarbonisation and other sustainability targets further influence fuel choices.
“Chevron’s observations show that most ship operators managed the transition very well,” says Ian Thurloway, Brand, Marketing and Business Development Manager for Chevron Marine Lubricants. “Fuel quality has been less variable than expected and accurate recommendations on cylinder lubrication helped prevent the worst fears from being realised. But there have been engine condition concerns and rigorous monitoring remains a fundamental of any fuel change – particularly faced with a whole new range of clean fuels to choose from.”
Chevron notes in the whitepaper that VLSFO in general has a higher energy content than HSFO, offering good value for users. But its rapid ignition has caused problems for some older engines. Meanwhile the practice of flushing high-sulphur residues from tanks ahead of the regulation’s entry into force also contributed to an increase in cylinder condition challenges early in the year.
The lower sulphur content in marine fuel also reduces the safety margin between normal piston running, with a limited but manageable level of corrosion, and damaging abrasive or adhesive wear. To detect these conditions before they lead to irreversible engine damage Chevron recommends that operators employ a robust onboard drip oil monitoring programme, supported by frequent onshore laboratory analysis. Chevron’s own DOT.FAST® service now includes a separate indicator for abrasive/adhesive wear in its onshore laboratory analyses.
“Ship operators can use the DOT.FAST® onboard kit to check if total iron in the drip oil rises,” says Luc Verbeeke, Senior Engineer, Chevron Marine Lubricants. “The deeper laboratory analysis then identifies if the drip oil contains greater levels of magnetic iron particles. This would indicate abrasive/adhesive wear, meaning that operators should adjust either the base number or the feed rate of their cylinder lubricant.”
Latest News
NAVTOR partners with Risk Intelligence to integrate risk into route planning
(Posted on 29/09/25)NAVTOR has announced a breakthrough product launch with Risk Intelligence, helping global users of its... Read more
IRClass Systems and Solutions Pvt Ltd strengthens cybersecurity portfolio
(Posted on 29/09/25)IRClass Systems and Solutions Pvt Ltd (ISSPL), a leading provider of assurance, inspection, certification... Read more
New Telestack TITAN Truck intake system for Irish mining company’s port expansion
(Posted on 22/09/25)Northern Ireland based Telestack have announced that they have been awarded a contract for the supply... Read more
Dualog launches ID provider with single sign-on for crew
(Posted on 22/09/25)Dualog has introduced a major upgrade to its Dualog Mail platform with the launch of Identity Provider... Read more
Greek industrial gateway powers growth with electric Konecranes Gottwald MHC
(Posted on 14/09/25)As part of a plan to double its capacity while controlling emissions, Port of Thisvi operator DIA.VI... Read more
Bulker operator Norse Ship Management deploys Inmarsat NexusWave
(Posted on 14/09/25)Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, together with distribution partner Station Satcom have secured... Read more
Nectar expands SE Asia presence with additional mobile bagging machines
(Posted on 09/09/25)Nectar Group, a leading provider of logistics and cargo handling solutions, is further solidifying its... Read more
US marine descaler Seascour strikes deal to supply historic Great Lakes vessel
(Posted on 09/09/25)Florida headquartered maritime innovator Seascour has struck a second deal to supply its organic marine... Read more
E-Crane introduces faster, safer and smarter bulk pan handling
(Posted on 01/09/25)E-Crane has introduced an innovative tilting device that redefines how bulk materials such as scrap... Read more
Fifth Siwertell road-mobile ship unloader for long-standing Med operator
(Posted on 01/09/25)Bruks Siwertell has delivered a next-generation Siwertell 10 000 S road-mobile ship unloader to a returning... Read more
