Fuel treatment technology developed by Fuelre4m has demonstrated measurable fuel-efficiency improvements in large marine engines running on conventional fuels, as confirmed by testing conducted by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).

According to the study, fuel consumption fell by 3.5% to 6.7% under controlled test conditions in which shaft speed and engine load were kept constant. When assessed under operating conditions closer to real service profiles, where engines can reduce load to deliver the same propulsion output, the results translate into propulsion efficiency improvements of more than 21%.

The tests were conducted without any changes to engine hardware, fuel specifications or onboard systems. Researchers involved in the study attributed the performance gains to altered combustion behaviour rather than mechanical or operational adjustments.

George Papalambrou, Associate Professor at the National Technical University of Athens, said: "We were surprised by how consistent the efficiency improvements were across different operating conditions."

The findings are set against a backdrop of growing regulatory and commercial pressure on shipowners to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The global maritime sector consumes more than 200 million tonnes of fuel each year, meaning even incremental efficiency gains could have a material impact on operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions if adopted widely.

The results provide a near-term efficiency option for vessels already in service, at a time when compliance strategies under frameworks such as IMO decarbonisation targets are increasingly under scrutiny.

Rob Mortimer, CEO of Fuelre4m, commented: "Fuel remains one of the most significant cost components in maritime operations. Reducing consumption delivers immediate economic and environmental benefits. What's notable here is that these results were achieved using existing engines and fuels, allowing operators to act now rather than waiting for future solutions."

Fuelre4m's product range, Re4mx, is described as a fuel reforming nano-biotechnology that enhances the combustion process in engines and can deliver a significant reduction in fuel emissions. The company is targeting industries including ports, maritime and shipping, power generation, rail, and public transport.