Quadrise: Maersk's Suspended MSAR Emulsion Fuel Trial Successful So Far, but Unlikely to Be Resumed Before Q4 2017

Maersk says the current MSAR trial vessel is being redeployed and will no longer be able to bunker in Algeciras

Quadrise Fuels International plc (QFI) today confirmed the recent trial of its MSAR emulsion bunker fuel with Maersk has been successful to date, but must be suspended following news the trial vessel is set to be redeployed.

Maersk is currently considering alternative test vessels within its fleet for a continuation of the MSAR trial programme, the company added, but that it is unlikely the trial will be resumed before Q4 2017.

The company had previously aimed to complete the trial in the summer of this year.

"We are clearly disappointed that Maersk will have to suspend the trial for operational reasons that are unrelated to the MSAR operational trial. However, we are pleased that Maersk has reconfirmed that the trial to date has been successful and that an interim inspection will be completed in the Spring, as originally scheduled," said QFI Executive Chairman Mike Kirk.

As previously reported by Ship & Bunker, the MSAR fuel used for the trial is being produced by Compañía Española de Petróleos, S.A.U. (CEPSA) for supply from Algeciras, with the trial getting underway from Summer 2016.

However, last week it was announced that the vessel on which the company's MSAR operational trial is being conducted is set to make an unscheduled dry dock visit.

Today, QFI says it has been informed by Maersk that upon completion of the dry-docking the vessel will be redeployed for operational reasons and will no longer be able to bunker at Algeciras. 

"During the MSAR trial program Maersk has enjoyed a close and professional collaboration with both our technology partner QFI, and supply partner CEPSA, resulting in a smooth operation during which the fuel has performed well," said Niels H Bruus, Head of Future Solutions of Maersk Line A/S.

"We look forward to continuing our collaborations and will work with QFI to consider the commercial opportunities of MSAR while we review options for continuing trials aboard other vessels."

Maersk has also indicated that Wärtsilä will carry out a detailed inspection of the test vessel's engine during the next few months to verify and document the performance of the test vessel while operating on MSAR fuel, with a view to issuing an "Interim LONO" to confirm the fuel is safe and suitable for the Wärtsilä RT-Flex engine type.

"We look forward to receiving the results of the Interim LONO and working with Maersk to pursue the commercial opportunities for MSAR. The confirmation of the positive trial programme results to date combined with a positive Interim LONO will enable Quadrise to progress its plans for commercialisation of Marine MSAR," said Kirk.

Ship & Bunker recently spoke to Kirk and discussed the Marine MSAR commercial proposition in detail.