One of the biggest saltwater moments of recent times: In July 2020, a Japanese tanker ran aground on a coral reef off the coast of Mauritius, and an estimated quarter of the ship’s 4,000 tons of heavy bunker oil leaked into the surrounding ocean. Oil spills have become a regular phenomenon, but this one made it to the headlines because it occurred in a sensitive hotspot of biodiversity. It significantly damaged the ecosystem. It is time we start eradicating pollution and begin to foster humanity. This scenario calls for us to take an immediate step towards reducing pollution caused by bunker fuels. If we do not kill pollution, it will kill us and those around us someday.

THE FUEL THAT MAKES YOUR SHIP RUN SMOOTHLY

MAY ACTUALLY BE THE CAUSE OF ENVIRONMENT CRUELTY

Wondering why? Well we can answer this for you. Any fuel on board a ship is Bunker Fuel. That area in the ship where fuel is stored is called ‘Bunker”. Primitive coal bunkers are now replaced with fuel bunkers. These heavy bunker fuels drive the engines of the ships and wind up in the air as exhaust. So while these ships are doing a great job of transport, they are heavily responsible for contributing to the air and water pollution. Coal black and thick as molasses bunker fuel when burnt, emits obnoxious gasses that are harmful to humans, aquatic life and the environment at large.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR FUEL?

• Traditionally, Bunker Fuels were classified as Bunker A (No.4), Bunker B (No.5) and Bunker C (No.6). Since No. 6 is the most common, "bunker fuel" is often used as a synonym for No. 6.
• No. 5 or 6 are also commonly called heavy fuel oil (HFO) or furnace fuel oil (FFO).
• Since the 1980s the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has been the accepted standard for bunkers which divides into residual and distillate fuels (most commonly used are RMG and RMK).
• Yet another type of classification of fuel oils is as follows: MGO (Marine gas oil), MDO (Marine diesel oil), IFO (Intermediate fuel oil), HFO (Heavy fuel oil), NSFO (Navy special fuel oil), MFO (Marine fuel oil).
• HFO is the most widely used type of fuel for large commercial vessels. There is an increasing concern about the use of High Sulfur Fuels because they are considered to be highly polluting and cause of respiratory diseases and also form a component of acid rains.
• The most preferred way of defining bunker fuel oils is by taking into consideration its density and viscosity. Unit for density is kg/m3 and that for viscosity is centistoke cSt.

THE TURNING POINT FOR FUELS – THE REVOLUTIONARY “IMO 2020”

This significant rule came into existence on the 1st of January 2020 with the aim to limit sulfur content in fuel oil used on board ships. The new regulations brought in by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ban ships from using fuels with a Sulfur content above 0.5%, compared with the previous limit of 3.5%.This is a step forward towards improving air quality, preserving the environment and protecting human health.

CHANGING THE FUTURE OF FUELS

Before the enforcement of the IMO 2020, most ships were using HFO. The combustion of this oil leads to emission of toxic gases, thereby polluting the environment. In order to comply with IMO’s new list of 0.5%, a vast majority of ships are using Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).Alternative fuels such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and Methanol are also being put to use .The IMO provides complete guidance to ship owners on the 0.5% limit and it also empowers the oil purchasers and users in better understanding the quality of oil being delivered.

TRANSFORMATION OF FUEL IS TRASFORMATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Testing of bunker fuels is imperative to ensure that the fuel is absolutely fit for usage. If left unchecked, there can be a number of fuel related problems that can cause great damage to the engine and fuel system and to the environment at large. Microbial contamination, mixing of new and existing fuels are some of the most commonly faced issues. In order to reduce the operational risks, always get the fuel tested.

THE TRUSTED TESTING PARTNER-ATLAS LABS

An experienced and efficient leader in the testing industry, Atlas Lab employs the highest standards of testing and analysis and is customer centric in its approach. With several international accreditations, state-of-the-art labs, 40+ years of experience, constant innovation, Atlas lab is focused at providing precise, cost-effective and rapid new-age solutions to its customers. Get your bunker fuels tested at Atlas labs and together we shall contribute to a pollution free environment.

Join in the revolution, stop the pollution
For one fine day, not just your children
But the dolphins, the turtles, the algae and the whales
Shall be narrating some famous tales…
Of how mankind tried to combat pollution, with the best Sulfur-free solution.