Lubes em Foco Magazine – issue 91
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Marine additives
The last eight years have been extremely challenging for the shipping industry. First, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) began a journey to reduce emissions by reducing sulfur levels in marine fuels. The 2020 implementation date coincided with the global pandemic, which brought the world to a standstill. As the industry continues to recover, we are entering a new period of change as efforts to decarbonize the international shipping fleet intensify.
Overcoming Sulfur Reduction Challenges
As the IMO 2020 sulphur reduction deadline approached, we witnessed significant uncertainty in the industry about whether to continue to use high-sulphur fuels with an exhaust gas scrubber or switch to Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). Considering that the price difference between high- and low-sulfur fuels was narrowing, most opted for the latter option.
Anticipating this outcome, we identified the critical performance challenges associated with the use of VLSFOs: asphaltene stability, lubricity, and wax management, and cost-effective marine products were developed in these areas. These fuels ensured they were fit for purpose and helped vessel operators reduce maintenance costs and downtime while improving engine efficiency, allowing the fleet to switch to these cleaner-burning fuels with confidence.
In recent years, other emissions regulations have been strengthened and fuel additives have been implemented that could deliver tangible reductions in NOx and black carbon emissions.
Now, the shipping industry is stepping up its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with IMO targets set for 2030 to reduce CO2 emissions and for a 5-10% use of net-zero technologies, in support of its ambition to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by, or close to 2050. That may seem like a long way off, but the scale of the challenge means that change has to start now.
The decarbonization journey
On the road to decarbonization, the IMO is introducing a number of measures to monitor and reduce carbon emissions. The first annual carbon intensity report will be completed in 2024, and the first ratings from A to E will be released later this year.
The industry is evaluating how best to ensure that ships achieve and maintain a C rating or better, without significantly increasing operating costs. These easy-to-implement fuel-based additives not only offer an immediate, CAPEX-free way to reduce vessel fuel consumption (which contributes to an improved CII rating), but also help reduce other important emissions, such as NOx.
