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Research highlights potential new clean marine fuel

Research highlights potential new clean marine fuel
Glycerol, more commonly known as glycerine, has the potential to be used as a cheaper and markedly more environmentally friendly marine fuel, according to a prominent research group involving Lloyd’s Register.

Collaborative Technology Strategy Board project Glycerine Fuel for Engines and Marine Sustainability (GLEAMS), is comprised of project partners Lloyd’s Register,  Aquafuel Research, Gardline Marine Sciences, Redwing Environmental and Marine South East.

GLEAMS claims that glycerol, a by-product of the Biofuel industry of which there is a global surplus, is already proven through use in combined heat and power plants, and is easy to retrofit, requiring modification only to the external engine aspiration system. The substance burns with a higher efficiency than diesel, with no sulphur emissions and virtually no particulates, very low NOx emissions, and is water soluble, non-toxic and is “nearly impossible to ignite accidentally”.

GLEAMS argues that although Glycerol has lower energy density compared to fossil fuels and would need to be stored in greater volume, it could be stored in unused hull space of some vessels due to its low-hazard nature. Glycerol also offers serious potential advantages for vessels operating in ECA zones, due to benign environmental characteristics.

The lack of distribution means that the fuel is currently suitable only for early adopters. However, the group argues that these could include offshore support vessels, pilot boats, dredgers and ferries.