ExxonMobil: New Marine Fuel Addresses ECA

ExxonMobil Marine Fuels & Lubricants launched a new marine fuel that is designed to help marine operators comply with the 0.10 percent sulfur cap set to be introduced in Emission Control Areas (ECA) beginning January 1, 2015.  ExxonMobil Premium Heavy Distillate Marine ECA 50 (HDME 50) is a new category of marine fuel formulated to meet the 2015 ECA sulfur limit and to help marine engineers safely and efficiently operate their engines and boilers.

According to the company, ExxonMobil Premium HDME 50 offers performance benefits associated with both marine gas oil (MGO) and heavy fuel oil (HFO).  The fuel contains a low sulfur content associated with MGO, and has the higher flashpoint and lower volatility properties typically found in HFO.  These characteristics enable marine operators to comply with the upcoming sulfur cap and to reduce the risk of engine and boiler damage. 

The higher viscosity of ExxonMobil Premium HDME 50 makes storage and handling the fuel on board similar to HFO.  With the fuel having 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.

Prior to its introduction, ExxonMobil Premium HDME 50 was tested with Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, and is suitable for use in main and auxiliary engines and marine type boilers.  Following field trials, the new fuel has received No Objection Letters from MAN Diesel & Turbo (MDT) for use in MAN B&W two-stroke and MAN B&W Holeby genset designs, provided MDT’s specific engine type guidelines are followed. ExxonMobil Premium HDME 50 is already in use by a range of vessel operators.  It is available from Antwerp via barge delivery for vessels operating in the Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp (ARA) region.  In addition, ExxonMobil continues to offer MGO at more than 40 ports worldwide.

www.exxonmobil.com/premiumhdme50