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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has announced the development of a carbon-dioxide-reducing, efficiency-boosting fuel additive for merchant ships, in conjunction with Taihokohzai Co. Ltd., Japan’s largest fuel additive manufacturer.

MOL will use the new additive, called Taicrush HD, on its operated vessels to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.

Taicrush HD is said to improve the ignition performance and sludge (carbon and sediment) dispersion in heavy fuel oils, thereby reducing ignition delay and afterburning time by more than 30%.

Compared to conventional fuel oil additives for large-scale vessels, Taicrush HD promotes improved combustion and reduced fuel consumption.

The new product was used on 106 voyages of a large-scale Japanese coastal ferry which has a constant sailing schedule and is rarely affected by disturbance effects such as severe marine weather.

MOL and Taihokohzai collected and analyzed data, conducted engine tests on shore and at sea, and verified fuel efficiency improvements ranging from 1.12% to 1.46%.

Characteristics of additive Taicrush HD

* The fuel oil additive is said to improve both combustion and sludge dispersion, enhancing the performance of difficult-to-ignite fuels.

* Packaging is smaller than current liquid additives (contained in drums) since it is in granular form.

* Taicrush HD is said to be more convenient for transport, loading, and storage.