2000-11-27 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Introduction DW Petroleum Services pioneered Fuel Quality Testing in 1980 at a time when the market was seriously concerned with rising fuel costs and declining quality of marine fuels at many ports of the world. The incidence of engine problems and failures attributed to substand- ard residual fuel was showing an alarming increase. Owners were reporting more and more cases of short delivery, incorrect density or viscosity, and unacceptable impurity levels. Concern of the 80's regarding fuel quality has worsened with the impact of environmental awareness and industrial legislation in the 90's. Contaminants from industrial waste are now increasingly being detected in marine fuels as well. Operating conditions are getting tougher in the shipping industry with insurance premiums and deductibles at an all time high, resulting in shipowners and operators paying out considerable sums for machinery damages in spite of being insured. With longer lead time on spare parts, some vessels may even end up being laid up for extended periods. You can reduce your risks and protect your investments by joining the DNV Fuel Quality Testing (FQT) programme. DNV Petroleum Services Avoid costly machinery damages Excessive sludge due to unstable blend of fuel • The world leader in bunker fuel testing • Own laboratories — Oslo, Rotterdam, United States and Singapore • Unequalled experience from more than 200,000 samples analysed • Confidence of more than 7000 ships in the programme • Detailed analysis results of samples are available within 24 working hours • Decentralised, well trained technical expertise in all laboratories • Centralised computer links to all laboratories provide instant data • Round-the-clock technical support spanning all time zones • Largest database on fuel quality in the world • Published statistics available to members of FQT Flash Point (PMCC) The SOLAS Convention requires that the fuel should have a Flash Point above 60 deg. C, except for emergency use (as in the life- boat) where 43 deg. C and above would be acceptable. If the flash point of the fuel is below the values indicated, the vessel would have contravened Classification Rules and the insur- ance policy would be invalidated. Calculated Carbon Aromaticity Index (SHELL formula) This is calculated based on an empirical formula from Shell and is useful as a guide to indicate the ignition quality of the residual fuel. Other Metals In addition to the above, if the percentage ash levels exceed the limits for the respective grades as shown in the ISO specifications, additional metals such as iron, calcium, nickel, lead, zinc and magnesium will also be tested. These additional metals are recorded in the FQT database and are reported to the member only if relevant. Benefits of the FQT Programme • Avoid costly repairs • Peace of mind from knowing that the fuel used by the ship will be carefully screened before use. Be Sure Not Sorry • Machinery damages can be minimised, thereby reducing maintenance costs • Enhanced vessel performance and improve reliability of vessel's schedules • Enhance crew safety • Minimise costly disputes resulting in savings on management time and communications cost • Quick response from the network of wholly owned FQT laboratories with qualified, well -trained and experienced advisors, ensures you are kept fully informed of any fuel • Technical assistance available round the clock in a timely fashion from the considerable cumulative expertise of FQT world wide network • Training seminars to enhance knowledge of fuel quality • With over 7000 ships in the programme epidemic - type problems are detected much earlier than any other testing services. Members benefit from early warnings provided by FQT • Published statistics on fuel quality from the world's largest database of over 200,000 samples provide invaluable information to members for evaluating and selecting suppliers Flash point below 60 deg. C contravenes SOLAS Convention