Asia/Pacific News
Fuel Oil Emulsion Trial Shows 3-5% Bunker Savings
New Zealand's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Monday announced a trial of Fuel Oil Emulsion (FOE) technology on KiwiRail's former Interislander ferry Arahura has demonstrated a potential fuel savings of three to five percent.
The trial, which was said to have been conducted by Interislander, supported by the EECA's Technology Demonstration programme, and monitored by an independent fuel consultant, also reported a reduction in particulate emissions, although no absolute value was given.
Leigh Ramsey, Managing Director of Blended Fuel Solutions NZ, the company which supplied the technology, says the trial included a month of monitored running on normal fuel to give a base line, along with pre and post-trial internal engine inspections.
"The fuel needs to be pre-processed to create emulsion, and requires no engine modification to run," said Ramsey.
"An emulsion is made when one substance coats another. In this case the oil and water emulsion is made in a high-shear mixer using an additive to keep it stable. This was done on board in-line, just prior to use."
The water in the fuel turns into steam during combustion, causing the fuel droplets to shatter into smaller droplets.
"This leads to more complete combustion with less waste and fewer particulates and greenhouse gases," Ramsey added.
In absolute terms, the technology is expected to provide savings of up to 2 million litres per annum.
"The outcome looks as though it could reduce our use of fuel and the level of emissions as well as giving us a significant financial saving. ," said Interislander Strategy Manager, Peter Wells.
Dinesh Chand, EECA Project Manager commented: "We are excited that this trial showed promising results in the use of emulsified fuel in a large marine engine. The principle could be applied to other ferries and to coastal shipping."
Last May, Ship & Bunker reported that the trial was said to have already been showing the potential to reduce emissions, as well as make cost and consumption savings.
