Stena Line Sees Bunker Savings, Environmental Benefits from LEMAG Homogeniser Technology

LEMAG’s Pre-mounted emulsion and water supply unit

LEMAG LEHMANN & MICHELS GmbH (LEMAG) Thursday announced that Stena Line has outfitted a total of 16 vessels with its water in fuel (WIF) homogeniser technology, helping the ferry operator to achieve a reduction in bunker consumption along with several other environmental benefits.

"The combination of LEMAG SLASHPOL E-WIF and the HFT stabiliser results in significantly increased fuel economy, while reducing the NOx, black smoke and particulate matter, and CO2 emissions," states LEMAG.

In addition, the company noted "there is a very obvious and significant reduction in black smoke during start-up and manoeuvring, as well as at full load."

Water in fuel homogenisers are not a new technology, but LEMAG says it has received renewed interest in them over the last few years, which has resulted in increased investment in R&D.

"This is due not only to the soaring fuel costs up to 2015 and the need to reduce emissions, but the knowledge within the marine industry that the WIF technology has advanced to the point where it is now a very viable investment for ship owners and operators," it said.

Thomas Porep, owner and Managing Director of LEMAG, commented: "We have had a long working relationship with Stena and we have achieved a lot in the last five years, not only by reducing their emissions on 16 vessels, but also reducing their fuel consumption."

"I expect this partnership to continue and hopefully grow."

LEMAG says that in the future it expects WIF homgenisers' popularity to increase further as fuel prices rise again.

Last week, Craig Eason, writing for Lloyd's List (LL), said that the impending January 1, 2016 Tier III deadline has shipowners rushing to place newbuild orders, but notes that fuel emulsions and additives are being considered as alternative methods of meeting compliance requirements.