Blog

(Published by the British Marine Federation [BMF] on 28/10/2010)

The BMF have previously reported that the Sulphur Free Gas Oil regulations will come into force on the 1st January 2011. These new regulations will make it an offence to sell red diesel with a sulphur content of more than 10ppm (current level 1000ppm) for use in inland waterway craft and recreational craft that do not go to sea. The petroleum industry advise that some suppliers will use road fuel with the familiar ‘red dye’ to supply off road and marine craft fuel. However, road fuel contains up to 7% FAME (bio-fuel) and may prove problematic with some, particularly older, installations and increase the risk of biological contamination or ‘diesel bug’.

The British Marine Federation attended a meeting regarding the Fuel Quality Directive on Friday 22 October. At this meeting initial estimates were by the Department for Transport were revealed, indicating that a minimum of 75% of gas oil supplied to distributors would have no added FAME (fatty acid methyl ester or bio-diesel) content. Following the extensive lobbying on the supply of FAME free fuel by the BMF, this would be a great result for the industry.

Whilst there are a few technical issues to be aware of, the availability of sulphur free oil without any FAME continues to be investigated. At the present time a few independent oil suppliers have indicated their intent to supply this type of fuel but as yet none of the major producers or the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers have made public their intentions. The definition of inland and at sea, for the purposes of this legislation were also discussed and the BMF reiterated its view on behalf of the wide industry.

The purpose of publishing this "Blog" is to draw your attention to the situation and to strongly recommend that you contact your regular fuel supplier in order to establish exactly what fuel they intend to supply as from 1st January. The importance of receiving fuel without FAME is evident and suppliers should be urged to investigate the situation to provide as much clarity as possible.

The BMF will be producing a full industry guidance note on the supply, storage and use of fuel with a FAME content and would be grateful for feedback from members on this critical availability issue.

Wear and Tear Pads comprise strips of ultra thin, flexible, laser cut marine grade stainless steel, fitted with a high specification self adhesive double sided backing, ready for immediate application. They can be fixed semi-permanently to any flat or curved gelcoat or varnished surface.

What sizes are available?

WearAndTear Pads are available ex stock in 2 standard lengths; 6″ (150mm) and 9″(225mm).  Both lengths are 2″ (50mm) wide. They are also available in longer lengths if required. (Contact sales@wearandtearpads.com)

What limitations do WearAndTearpads have?

‘WearAndTear pads’ will not stretch around complex curvatures.  They are therefore only suitable for straight sections of cabin tops and cockpit sides, etc.

Technical Specification

Material spec: 301 Stainless steel

Thickness: 0.002″ (0.05mm)

Width: 2″ (50mm)

Length:

- Type A 6″ (150mm)

- Type B 9″ (225mm)

In addition to Ropewalk's standard early payment discount of 5% on all works undertaken for nontrade customers, Ropewalk have introduced fixed price Service Packages for new engine installations from 1st October 2010. All installations where Ropewalk have undertaken the Volvo Penta Pre-Delivery Inspection are subject to the discounted service package which will ensure that your new install will be covered under a two year warranty without changes to service costs within the first two years of ownership. For further information, please get in touch with us through the "Contact Us" section of this website.