The new category of marine fuel, named ExxonMobil Premium Heavy Distillate Marine ECA 50 (HDME 50) is formulated to contain low sulphur content associated with marine gas oil (MGO), and has higher flashpoint and lower volatility properties typically found in high sulphur fuel. These fuel characteristics are expected to help marine operators comply with the upcoming sulphur cap and to reduce the risk of engine and boiler damage.
The higher viscosity of ExxonMobil Premium HDME 50 means that storage and handling the fuel onboard vessels are similar to heavy fuel oil.
With the fuel needing to be heated, the risk of thermal shock to engine components is reduced during switchovers when entering and leaving an ECA. Thermal shock can result in fuel pumps seizures and engine shutdowns.
“ExxonMobil Premium HDME 50 complements our existing MGO offer and enables operators to choose a fuel that meets their specific requirements," said Aaron Cobb, director, ExxonMobil Marine Fuels and Lubricants.
ExxonMobil Marine Fuels and Lubricants has tested the new marine fuel with Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, and results showed that it is suitable for use in main and auxiliary engines and marine type boilers.
The new marine is already in use by a range of vessel operators, according to ExxonMobil Marine Fuels and Lubricants. It is available from Antwerp via barge delivery for vessels operating in the Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp (ARA) region.
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