Sign up
Log in Sign up
Fri 5 Oct 2018 12:40

VPS issues high sodium fuel alert for Fujairah


Alert is seventh so far this year relating to the supply of residual fuels with high sodium levels.

Image: Pixabay
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) has issued a bunker alert for Fujairah relating to high sodium fuels. It is the second warning issued by VPS this year for the Middle East's biggest bunker port.

So far in 2018 there have been seven VPS high sodium fuel alerts - the other six being for Cartagena, Haifa, Limassol (2), Singapore and Zeebrugge.

According to the latest ISO 8217:2017 standard for marine residual fuels, the maximum sodium limit is 100.0 mg/kg for RMG and RMK grades (RMG 180, RMG 380, RMK 380, RMG 500, RMK 500, RMG 700 and RMK 700) and also for RMB 30 and RMD 80, whilst for RMA 10 and RME 180 the limit is 50.0 mg/kg.

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) notes in its document 'Vanadium and sodium in marine fuels' that the form in which the sodium is present determines the extent of the possible reduction in the ship's fuel treatment plant.

Sodium associated with water contamination can usually be effectively removed by a well-operated centrifuge system, whilst sodium contamination in the absence of water is probably the most difficult form of this contamination to remove.

High-temperature corrosion and fouling can be mainly attributed to both the sodium and vanadium content of the oil. Both elements oxidise during combustion and, in a series of chemical reactions, form semi-liquid and sticky low-melting-point salts that adhere to exhaust valves and turbochargers. These salts are corrosive and attack the metal to which they adhere.

It is in combination that sodium sulphate and vanadium pentoxide can be harmful to the operation of the engine. They are responsible for fouling and high temperature corrosion on the exhaust valves; also, high sodium levels can result in increased ash deposits in the exhaust gas system and turbochargers.

Last year, there were six VPS alerts related to sodium in residual fuels, with two warnings each for the Americas, Europe and Middle East. It was the fourth most common residual fuel issue to be flagged up in 2017 - after density, cat fines and sediment.

Lease agreement between Inter Terminals Sweden and the Port of Gothenburg, signed on July 1st. Pictured: Göran Eriksson, CEO of the Port of Gothenburg (left) and Johan Zettergren, Managing Director of Inter Terminals Sweden (right). New Gothenburg lease an opportunity to expand green portfolio: Inter Terminals  

Bunker terminal operator eyes tank conversion and construction projects for renewable products.
Map of US Gulf. Peninsula extends US Gulf operation offshore  

Supplier to focus on Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) in strategy to serve growing client base.
The M/T Jutlandia Swan, operated by Uni-Tankers. Uni-Tankers vessel gets wind-assisted propulsion  

Fourth tanker sails with VentoFoil units as manufacturer says suction wing technology is gaining traction.
Port of Gothenburg Energy Port. Swedish biomethane bunkered in Gothenburg  

Test delivery performed by St1 and St1 Biokraft, who aim to become large-scale suppliers.
Image from Cockett Marine Oil presentation. Cockett to be closed down after 45 years  

End of an era as shareholders make decision based on 'non-core nature' of Cockett's business.
Petrobras logo. Petrobras confirms prompt availability of VLS B24 at Rio Grande  

Lead time for barge deliveries currently five days.
Opening of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), 83rd Session, April 7, 2025. IMO approves pricing mechanism based on GHG intensity thresholds  

Charges to be levied on ships that do not meet yearly GHG fuel intensity reduction targets.
Preemraff Göteborg, Preem's wholly owned refinery in Gothenburg, Sweden. VARO Energy expands renewable portfolio with Preem acquisition  

All-cash transaction expected to complete in the latter half of 2025.
Pictured: Biofuel is supplied to NYK Line's Noshiro Maru. The vessel tested biofuel for Tohoku Electric Power in a landmark first for Japan. NYK trials biofuel in milestone coal carrier test  

Vessel is used to test biofuel for domestic utility company.
Pictured (from left): H-Line Shipping CEO Seo Myungdeuk and HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol at the contract signing ceremony for the construction of an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel. H-Line Shipping orders LNG bunkering vessel  

Vessel with 18,000-cbm capacity to run on both LNG and MDO.

↑  Back to Top


 Recommended