IMO 2020: Safely navigating new VLSFO challengesWhitepaper

CONTENT

T he International Maritime Organisation’s 0.50% global sulphur cap on marine fuels came into force on 1 January 2020.

Changing over to new fuels is the first step in IMO 2020 compliance, but the new fuels have brought with them heightened concerns. To ensure smoother operation, crew and engineers onboard must be ready with adequate training, tools, test and treat kits, checklists, and reports, in order to identify and mitigate fuel problems before they manifest.

1Introduction

2Fuel tests confirm irregularities

4Wilhelmsen survey: customerconcerns confirmed

5Test and Treat to avoid trouble

8Stability and compatibility:new fuels bringnew realities

11IMO 2020 – Test and Treat to remove uncertainty around fuel quality issuesat sea

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Fuel tests confirm irregularitiesIn response to the new IMO regulation, refineries have switched to new types of blended fuels that contain high levels of aromatic compounds, or asphaltenes, leading to stability issues when combined with low asphaltene blends. All blends will necessarily vary as well, resulting in a wide variety of viscosities, from higher with more aromatic fuels, to lower in more paraffinic fuels with lower aromatic content.

In anticipation of potential fuel issues, Wilhelmsen Ships Service engaged athird-party testing lab to check the 120 VLSFOs of different permutations and combinations in late 2019. “We began to see some unexpected results in the tests,” says Jonas Östlund, Product Marketing Manager for Oil Solutions, Wilhelmsen Ship Services. “Prior to testing, the typical worst-case fuel was a 50-50 blend of different fuels. But testing with new VLSFOs showed that the worst case tended more toward a 90-10 mix.”

Tests indicate that when a VLSFO is blended, aromatics/paraffinic components is more vulnerable, or less stable. Once that component becomes the majority of a blend, stability and compatibility issues occur, including reduced viscosity. As a result, VLSFOs tend to destabilize more easily than HSFOs. “Blending with leftover fuel in tanks is part of the problem,” Östlund says. “The new blends tend to induce sludging in VLSFOs, and problems will only increase if not treated. There are even inconsistencies with the same fuel blends, from bunker to bunker. Thisis a learning curve, but

Incompatible / Unstable

Compatible / Stable

Reserve Stability Number (RSN)Study Before and After Treatment

Blend Recipe(90% B1 + 10% H9672)

RSN on StraightSample – 11.0 (UNSTABLE)

RSN after treatingwith 100 ppm ofFPC – 0.2%

Figure 1: From the 120 results of the third-party tests, it is noted that “Additive (Fuel Power Conditioner) had a very profound effect in improving the reserve stability number significantly”.

STABLEHigh reserve stabilityAsphaltenes is not likely to flocculate.

MODERATEStability reserve is lowerAsphaltenes unlikely to flocculate if oil is not exposed to worse condition (e.g. storing, ageing & heating).

UNSTABLELow reserve stabilityAsphaltenes is likely to easily flocculate and/or already started to flocculate.

INDEX10 orabove

INDEX5-10

INDEX0-5

what we know already is that blending the new low sulphur fuels presents new challenges that can have consequences for ship operations.”

“Jonas Ostlund Product Marketing Manager for Oil Solutions

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Test and Treat to avoid trouble

Wilhelmsen survey: customerconcerns confirmedThe consequences of not taking action to mitigate stability and compatibility (S&C) issues can lead to detrimental operational consequences such as higher power consumption, lower productivity, and in worse case – unexpected, sudden downtime. The significant issues which can result from fuel instability are something no owner, operator or crew wants to be confronted with,” says Östlund.

A representative survey of Wilhelmsen Ships Service customers conducted in March 2020 indicated that a majority of them are indeed very concerned with the stability and compatibility of VLSFOs. “This is with good reason,” Östlund relates. “They are experiencing more S&C problems with VLSFOs than with HSFOs. We also see that many are successfully using fuel treatment to resolve sediment issues and bring fuel back on spec.” The survey supports

identification and treatment of target fuels as crucial, he says. “Companies realizethey need to test and treat, not just oneor the other.”

Long-term storage of VLSFO as a consequence of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has added to concerns regarding stability. According to a TradeWinds article published 26 May 2020, Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service has received reports from ships facing difficulties in using fuels that had been in storage for several months, or even a few weeks in some cases.

In the article, shipowners are urged to exercise particular caution if they need to use VLSFO that has been stored for a long period. It is therefore imperative that owners, operators and vessel managers organising vessel lay-up take active steps to preserve any VLSFO fuel oil that will likely be stored in fuel tanks.

1. How concerned are you with Stability & Compatibility of VLSFOs?

2. What problems do you experience with Stability & Compatibility with the new VLSFOs?

In the survey results, 97% of the participants acknowledged there is prevailing problems seen or heard at site. Amongst the concerned pool, 66% indicated they are facing more stability & compatibility issues with the new VLSFOs over HSFO. Two prominent feedback given are the unknown stability and compatibility of fuel condition as well as sludge formation and accumulation.

Very Concerned59%

Somewhat Concerned38%

No Concern3%

47%

19%

16%

19%

More than HSFOSame as HSFO

A lot more than HSFONo issue

Companies realize they need to test and treat, not just one or the other.

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While chemical treatment manufacturers advise operators to dose all fuels in order to avoid issues, this will in many cases mean applying solutions where there is no problem. The on-board ‘Test and Treat’ approach is more attractive because of the options it gives operators, April Teo, Business Manager for Oil and Water Solutions, Wilhelmsen Ships Service explains. “Traditionally the fuel sample is sent to an accredited fuel tester who tests according to specifications, and it takes up to six days for results to come back. But operators typically cannot wait in port for results, and so they have either treated fuel unnecessarily, or had to live with the consequences if they are sailing with bad fuel.”

With the global COVID-19 pandemic situation, the testing lead time is lengthened as many existing onshore testing facilities are closed indefinitely.

In this uncertain setting, Wilhelmsen can offer a Stability and Compatibility Test Kit, enabling crew to test for stability and compatibility issues during bunkering and voyage. “Testing while bunkering indicates potential issues before ships leave port, and crews can treat while bunkering, which ensures better mixing in the tank,” says Östlund. “Lab test reports will continue to serve as the baseline, but portable test kits help crew keep tabs on fuel conditions during theentire voyage.”

While many suppliers offer either test kits or chemicals, Wilhelmsen has both, in the most comprehensive test and treat program available on the market. Industry-leading hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers allow vessel crews to accurately and efficiently test the quality and sulphur content of their fuels on site, while FuelPower Conditioner has shown to keep fuel stability well within acceptable parameters.

Operators typically cannot wait in port for results, and so they have either treated fuel unnecessarily, or had to live with the consequencesif they are sailing with bad fuel.

Figure 2 On board test kit

FROM BUNKER TO VOYAGE

FROM BUNKER TO VOYAGE

Unknown onshore

test results

Quick on-boardTesting with Wilhelmsen Test and Treat Program

Everchanging fuel stability and

compatibility

Good monitoring approach whilst waiting for on-shore

lab results

Irreversible change

in bad fuel

On-time calibration to better, stable

fuel quality

NOW:Testing at regular

intervals offers constant insight

on status of fuel at regular intervals

BEFORE:No testing

opportunities between ports,

status of fuel unknown

?

Early intervention is key to dealing with unexpected short or long-term operational issues, and adopting a “Test and Treat” approach is a good start to mitigate the associated risks.

“April Teo Business Manager for Oil and Water Solutions

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Stability and compatibility:new fuels bringnew realities

In Resolution MEPC.320(74), the IMO warns that it is “essential to distinguish between fuel stability within a specific fuel batch and fuel compatibility between different fuel batches.” The guideline goes on to stipulate: “Unstable fuels will separate on their own, while incompatible ones will do sowhen mixed in a single bunker tank, formingsludge that can block filters and ultimately cause engine failures.”

ASPHALTENE

Fuel treatment makes fuel more compatiblewith asphaltenes, and as such addresses issuesof both stability and compatibility. “FuelPower Conditioner can be used to hinder gradual deterioration of fuel quality and mitigate potential instability,” Östlund says. “Compatibility issues develop more quickly, but they can also beresolved with FuelPower Conditioner.”

Sulphur content complianceWhile concerns with fuel quality continue to grow, discussions on enforcement strategies and potential penalties for non-compliance with sulphur content are also gathering steam. On-site testing enables crews to eliminate the risk of accidental non-compliance. As vessels approach areas with low sulphur content limits, crews can quickly and accurately test the sulphur content of the fuel flowing to the engines after changeover in order to ensure compliance.

In addition to mitigating the risks of non-compliance during changeovers, fast, reliable, on-board testing equipment lessens the reliance on the traditional Bunker Delivery Note, allowing crews to check the sulphur content of fuel during bunkering, rather than having to deal with the aftermath of off-spec fuel issues.

Figure 3 VLSFO fuel samples with and withoutthe treatment from FuelPower Conditioner (FPC)

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sludge to be formedunstable fuels can cause stability is desired as large molecules whose products, asphaltenes are Found in most petroleum

and mixing or blending with paraffinic fuels.temperature and pressure, oxidization over time, under certain conditions affected by changes in part of a stable system, he says, but can form sludge unstable fuel becomes.” Asphaltenes can remain as them is altered. The bigger the structures, the more form larger structures if the environment around “Large-molecule asphaltenes suspended in fuel can “Instability develops over time,” Östlund says.

Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Miami and San Vincente.in VLSFO fuels supplied in Singapore, Piraeus, seven Bunker Alerts relating to sediment issues2020, Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) issuedproving to be global. From late 2019 to January Issues with instability and compatibility are

Lubrication issues compound VLSFO concernsNew VLSFOs are also causing concerns for engine health. Both marine bench and engine tests show widely varying deposit formation and combustion characteristics among VLSFO blends, even using samples acquired from a relatively small geographical area. With widespread uptake of VLSFO due to IMO 2020 requirements, increased incidence of engine deposits and costly damage can result if lubricants chosen by ship operators are not robust enough to maintain required engine cleanliness.

Whether appropriate lube oil is being used can be determined by engine wear, most easily understood by testing for iron and Total Base Number (TBN). Wilhelmsen offers test kits to allow quick and simple testing of ferrous wear particles and TBN levels in engine lubricant. Together, iron and TBN results reveal the health of the oil and how well it is protecting the engine from harmful wear.

“Preventing sludge, ensuring sulphur compliance and avoiding engine damage are all proving to be critical measures to be taken when using VLSFOs,” concludes Jonas Östlund. “Wilhelmsen is here to help owners, operators and crew take the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of crew, assets and the environment as we enter the new era of low sulphur fuels.”

“Non-compliance can be extremely costly,” Östlund confirms. “Owners have already been hit with fines and operational bans, and in some cases they have had to replace fuels.” Navigating in an unpredictable weather condition, limited onshore testing results and increased cost, mobile testing equipment is a bare necessity on board to support crew in meeting their testing needs and remain compliant. “Global norms for enforcement will take time to evolve, and this is all the more reason for operators to guard themselves against uncertainties by having valid testing methods available onboard,” Östlund emphasizes.

Owners have already been hitwith fines and operational bans, and in some cases they have had to replace fuels.

IMO 2020 – Test and Treat to remove uncertainty around fuel quality issues at sea

Take action, adopt our Test and Treat Programme todayWith portable onboard testing now a reality, you can be informed on the health of your fuel – including compatibility and stability, on a more frequent, regular basis.

For more information, please get in touch with our team. Visit wilhelmsen.com/imo2020

With IMO 2020, a 0.5% sulphur cap has taken effectand many shipowners have changed fuels to remaincompliant. But switching over to new fuel bringsabout various unforeseen challenges. Routine fueltesting and treating can mitigate the risks that come with your choice of fuel.

About Wilhelmsen Marine ProductsWith one of the most comprehensive maritime networks in the world, Wilhelmsen Ships Service has the ability to deliver to more than 2,200 ports in 125 countries worldwide.

Supplying marine solutions including the Unitor brand of products, Timm ropes, Unicool refrigerants, and Unitor and Nalfleet marine chemicals, last year we made product deliveriesto 27,500 vessels.

#stayintouchFollow our social media and video channels for product demos and the latest insights. @WilhelmsenMarineProducts Wilhelmsen

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wilhelmsen.com/imo2020

Jonas Ostlund Product Marketing Manager for Oil Solutions

linkedin.com/in/jonasostlund

April Teo Business Manager for Oil and Water Solutions

linkedin.com/in/aprilteo

Connect with our experts

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References:https://www.bunkerspot.com/global/50137-global-blending-to-the-limithttps://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/should-the-industry-worry-about-decreasing-vlsfo-viscosity/https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/812795-integr8-fuels-sees-average-vlsfo-viscosity-dropping-rapidlyhttps://www.tradewindsnews.com/regulation/iea-hikes-vlsfo-demand-forecast-but-warns-of-off-spec-risks/2-1-774911https://www.tradewindsnews.com/tankers/shipowners-and-bunker-players-face-headache-amid-build-up-of-low-sulphur-fuel/2-1-813648https://www.v-p-s.com/latest-news/vlsfos-high-level-of-bunker-alerts-relating-to-sediment-issues/

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