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The UK Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) has launched a publication that provides guidance on new standards for marine diesel fuel.

According to IMarEST, the introduction of both the EU Directive and subsequent UK legislation on increased use of biofuel content, and the consequent reduction of sulphur content to new gas oil (diesel fuel) specifications, have resulted in "a challenge" for owners and operators of commercial and leisure vessels in coastal and inland waters.

Commenting on the issue, IMarEST said: "The new fuel can result in microbiological growth in engine components, and thus risks for all."

Alan Cartwright, Vice Chairman of IMarEST's Small Ships Group (SSG), said: "The short notice of the DfT consultation was something of a sudden blow to the maritime sector. The small commercial vessel, recreational and inland sectors were very concerned about the potential for introducing biofuel content and at the same time reducing the sulphur content of Red Diesel.

“However, our close involvement with the DFT officials, who have been supportive of our sectors' needs, has helped to ensure that the UK legislation to meet the EU Directives should have least detrimental impact upon maritime and inland waterways operators. Nevertheless, we should all maintain our vessels' systems, monitor our fuel and keep it clear of water contamination, in which microbiological organisms can thrive - all too readily, should biofuel be taken onboard.

“The dangers of filter blockage, sudden engine failure and hazard to navigation and life should not be underestimated and have been central to the maritime sectors' representation to DfT and, in turn, very much appreciated by our DfT colleagues. Detailed guidance on the EU Directives, the UK Regulations and what to do to maintain safe fuel provision is given in the recent IMarEST fuels guidance booklet," added Cartwright.

‘New Standards for Marine Diesel Fuel’ is published as an electronic document, available online at £7 for IMarEST Members; and £10 for non-Members. Copies are available via the IMarEST SSG webpage at www.imarest.org and at http://bit.ly/lX4KY9.

The first step towards the launch of this new publication by Colin Crimp and Alan Cartwright, which gives guidance on the importance of the situation, and how to procure fuels free of fatty acid methyl esters ultra-low sulphur gas oil (FAME-free fuels), was an IMarEST SSG conference held in Greenwich in October 2010.

“Attended by over a hundred delegates, it was very informative to the consultative process and gathering of relevant useful information,” said Bob Barnes, Chairman of IMarEST SSG. “The conference was jointly sponsored by IMarEST Marine Partner, Conidia Biosciences Ltd, whose specialists have long experience of preventing similar problems in the aircraft industry. The results of the conference were then presented to the DfT, and supported the drafting of the UK's legislation, in such a way that should help prevent difficulties for the UK's maritime, recreational and inland waterways operators.

”Our new publication results from the informative discussions at the conference, the discussions with DfT and much further work since then, and will be useful to members of both the shipping world, the small commercial vessel sector and the boat owning public. Through this publication, we have endeavoured to fill the vacuum of authoritative information and guard operators from some of the mis-information and palliative ‘cure alls’ that are circulating on the market. We urge all with an interest in safety to use this new guidance and take care of their fuel," said Barnes.