ExxonMobil have reported that the endorsement of their Premium AFME 200 and Premium HDME 50 ECA-fuels and their ability to enhance operational performance whilst ensuring regulatory compliance has been evidenced by a growth in sales.
The fuels ability to enhance operational performance can be attributed to many factors. ExxonMobil highlighted one example; fuel switching. Their Premium HDME 50 product reduces the risk of thermal shock during switchover between heavy fuel oil (HFO) when entering and leaving ECAs.
The HDME, a heavy distillate ECA category fuel, has similar properties and handling to HFO, which minimises fuel temperature differentials, in turn reducing thermal shock and associated problems such as fuel pump failures and engine shutdowns.
The independent lab tests confirmed the ECA-fuels compatibility with both marine gas oil (MGO) and HFO.
What do ExxonMobil Say?
Rob Drysdale, Global Field Engineering & Logistics Manager, ExxonMobil commented: “These lab results demonstrated that at certain ratios, our Premium ECA category marine fuels are compatible and stable with both HFO and MGO.
However, industry best practice is to avoid mixing fuel where possible. Where this is not possible, it is important to know what fuels you are buying, and test and handle them accordingly.”
Brittany Ferries successfully trialled the AFME 200 on its ship – read more here.
