IMPORTANT -Reference the change of fuel specification as from 1st January 2011

Sunday, November 28, 2010

(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.

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sroach@ropewalkmarine.com

Created on: 11/28/2010 1:31 PM

From 1st January 2011 all gas oil sold for inland waterway vessels and recreational craft when used on inland waterways, must contain a higher FAME content than before. This will include the Solent. This may present a problem in older engines and various precautionary measures implemented by boat owners will help prevent potential issues.

Increased care will be required in the storage of ‘sulphur free’ gas oil, where this contains biodiesel.
Ropewalk's recommendations are to undertake the following:

As a precautionary measure owners of older vessels with aging fuel systems are advised to replace fuel pipes seals at the time of de-winterising in spring 2011.
Fuel systems should be inspected following 25-50 hours of engine use, following the change to the new fuel. It may be necessary to replace pipes or leaks in seals which occur as a result of the decreased lubrication properties caused by the introduction of FAME to Gas Oil which will be available from 1st January 2011. (At the time of inspection replace all fuel filters.)
Monitor any water content in fuel tanks and prefilters and undertake monthly checks to ensure that fuel systems are free from water.

Due to the fact that an increase in FAME content will cause fuel systems to be more prone to fuel bug. Check the filters for signs of bug (A black sludge) on a regular basis. At the first sign of bacterial growth, Ropewalk suggest treating the fuel system by way of using the “Eradicate” biocide and fuel polishing. For more information on Ropewalk's fuel polishing rates please refer to the Blog posted on the Ropewalk Website on 25th September 2010.
Ensure the content of the tank is turned over every 6 months or in any event, no less often than every 12 months to help prevent blockage of filters. If it is not possible for boat owners to turn over the contents of their fuel tanks, we strongly suggest a fuel polish when laying vessels up at the end of the 2011 boating season.
Ropewalk recommends the use of the Cryus product which significantly increases the lubrication properties of Marine Diesel with or without the introduction of Biodiesel. Cryus Marine Fuel conditioner.
Acts as a water dispersant, reducing component wear and protecting injectors and fuel systems from damage caused by water carried in fuel

Disperses water from fuel and in fuel tanks inhibiting growth of diesel bug particularly where fuel is left in long term storage.

Cleans and protects injectors.

Improves spray pattern and power output.

Eliminates smoking and airborne emissions
allows fuel to burn more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption.

Non hazardous : does not contain any abrasive or aggressive chemicals.

Extends component life, reducing maintenance costs.

Recommended for use in all marine applications.

Seastarts views on the problems that may be encountered through the increased FAME content in marine fuels is available by clicking visiting http://www.seastart.co.uk/news-tips-sitelinks/seastart-article.php?recordID=119.

sroach@ropewalkmarine.com

Created on: 12/6/2010 9:24 PM

On 6th December 2010, the BMF also released further information that can be found at http://www.ropewalkmarine.com/news/16-bmf-guidance-not-to-industry-december-2010.aspx

sroach@ropewalkmarine.com

Created on: 1/3/2011 8:34 PM

For the sake of clarity, this blog previously detailed that the new legislation would include the Solent. THIS IS NO LONGER THE CASE. Please refer to the BMF Guidance Note dated 6th December 2010 in the NEWS section of this site.