World Bunkering > News > Summer 2009 > Equipment and services

Maersk rethinks two-stroke loads

AP Moller-Maersk says the results of a long-term survey on its fleet prove that two-stroke engines can operate at much lower loads than previously thought, according to a report published in Lloyd’s List.

After an assessment carried out on more than 100 of its fleet, Maersk says that it has proved that engines can be run with operating loads as low as 10%, rather than the 40%-60% recommended by the engine makers.

The results of the survey offer fuel saving potential of up to 3,500 tonnes of fuel per vessel per year, and a corresponding saving in emissions. Wartsila have already approved the new recommendations. However, Maersk emphasised that crew would have to carefully monitor engines being operated under these conditions to avoid risks of fouling and corrosion.

Fast Oil Recovery system for CMA CGM

The CMA CGM group’s latest containership is the first boxship in the world to be equipped with the “Fast Oil Recovery System,” designed to help prevent marine pollution. The system, designed to make it easier for salvors to remove oil from a sunken or grounded ship, has previously been installed on tankers, but can also be applied to bunker tanks on cargo vessels.

A layout of pipes and manifolds throughout the tanks allows salvors to easily connect a hose for the removal of bunkers, no matter what the position of the vessel, without first having to cut a hold in the hull.

In addition to the Fast Oil Recovery System, CMA CGM Andromeda will also feature a number of new environmental technologies, including an electronically controlled engine, which the company claims will reduce fuel and lubricants consumption by 3% and 25% respectively. An optimised hull design and a Twisted Leading Edge Rudder will improve the vessel’s hydrodynamic qualities, further reducing fuel use. The vessel is also equipped for cold-ironing in port.

Jeppesen launches 45-day VVOS trial

Jeppesen Marine is offering a 45-day trial and evaluation program to introduce prospective customers to its Vessel and Voyage Optimisation Solution (VVOS). The system enables masters and shore-side managers to develop optimised passages while managing vessel speed, fuel consumption, schedule integrity, seakeeping and environmental conditions.

Key performance indicators, including fuel conservation, cargo loss reduction, vessel damage, motion reduction and schedule integrity are selected to match each customer’s operational objectives. Jeppesen Marine then prepares a final report documenting the trial results for each KPI and calculates the cost savings to the prospective buyer.

“Proprietary vessel-specific models are used to construct detailed passage speed and seakeeping plans as part of developing an optimised route. Customers using VVOS optimised routes have repeatedly seen dramatic improvements in their schedule reliability, seen a reduction in fuel consumption by more than 5% over typical weather routing software solutions and have experienced as much as a 23% reduction in overall vessel motions,” said Pamela Schaffer, Jeppesen Marine VVOS senior product manager.

Free online viscosity & density calculators

Jiskoot Quality systems unit has recently implemented two new online density and viscosity calculation tools, both of which are available on the Jiskoot website.

The density calculator, which can be used for process calculations or design purposes at a desired temperature, calculates the density

for use in the measurement of petroleum or petroleum products. The viscosity calculator is covered by the ASTM D341 standard and calculates viscosity at a given temperature, when the viscosity is known at two temperatures. This tool can be useful for predicting viscosity at a target temperature, but a theoretical viscosity with “live” applications should always be verified with a viscometer.

Andrie implements FuelTrax

Andrie Inc. is to implement Nautical Control Solutions’ FuelTrax marine fuel management system on Karen Andrie, a 120 foot tug. The system is intended to improve performance and reduce operating costs.

“We are always looking for tools and practices that improve efficiency,” said Stan Andrie, president, Andrie Inc. “However, it can be a challenge measuring improvement on a day-to-day basis when our focus is on running the business. FuelTrax will provide us a way to establish an operational baseline and then identify areas where improvements can be made. It will automatically capture data such as throttle and engine RPM settings, fuel burn rates, and vessel location and present the data in reports so we can create a baseline. We gain visibility into exactly how we are using fuel and where we can improve operations to reduce fuel consumption.”

“We are very pleased to add Andrie to our expanding list of customers,” said Anthony George, CEO of Nautical Control Solutions. “Fuel management is growing in importance and acceptance worldwide and although fuel prices are low now, most operators believe this to be a lull before another high-priced storm.”

Benzene exposure test developed

Concateno subsidiary Medscreen has developed a simple, low-cost way to test for benzene exposure.

Benzene is commonly used in industrial and manufacturing processes, but it is highly toxic and can cause a range of diseases including cancer, and can affect human DNA. Short-term exposure to low levels can be irritating to eyes, cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion and in some cases unconsciousness. Exposure to high concentrations can result in death. It is mostly ingested into the body by inhalation, but can also be absorbed through the skin. The risk to maritime workers primarily occurs through leakages of benzene in transport.

Graham Birch, head of sales for the Maritime sector, explained: “Since we have added a low-cost, sensitive benzene test to our range of drug and alcohol services, the kits have been quickly taken up by shipping companies across the world. Many boats keep a stock of the test on board in case – as happened in Dubai recently – an accident or collision occurs that might involve exposure to benzene.

“The advantage of this test is its simplicity – all you need is in one easy-to-use plastic container. A small amount of urine is required in the phials provided, with all the necessary bio-packaging for ready dispatch to the laboratory. Analysis takes a few hours and the results can be faxed or emailed within two days of receipt.

“Our network of staff across all the major shipping routes and international petrochemical locations allows companies to benefit from easy access to this top-rated benzene service at low cost.

The test has been shortlisted for the 2009 Seatrade Awards in the ‘Safety at Sea’ category, sponsored by Lloyd’s Register.