Operator Says Fuel Oil Emulsion Trial Shows Promise of Emissions Reduction, Cost & Consumption Savings

by Ship & Bunker News Team

KiwiRail says the FOE trial on Interislander ferry Arahura is showing the potential to reduce emissions

New Zealand-based operator KiwiRail Tuesday said a trial of Fuel Oil Emulsion (FOE) technology on its Interislander ferry Arahura is showing the potential to reduce emissions, as well as make cost and consumption savings.

"The outcome looks as though it could reduce our use of fuel and the level of emissions as well as giving a significant financial saving," said Malcom Sims, the engineer in charge of the project.

"FOE has lower harmful emissions compared with normal fuels and this improves Health and Safety for those who have to work with it".

The emulsion fuel, which is supplied by Blended Fuel Solutions NZ Ltd., is claimed to burn more completely than unmodified fuel, which reduces the overall consumption.

“ This showed reduced fuel consumption and emissions, thus opening the way to this more extensive operational trial Malcom Sims, project engineer, Interislander

The technology also reportedly allows engines to run cooler, thus reducing the need for maintenance.

Sims said the trial is being conducted over a three month period and follows a two day trial in 2013.

"This showed reduced fuel consumption and emissions, thus opening the way to this more extensive operational trial," he said.

The operator is also exploring other alternative fuels, including biofuels, but none were said to be as commercially advanced as the FOE technology.

"With the Arahura being retired at the end of July 2015, it provides a safe, known and reliable platform on which to conduct operational tests in a controlled manner." he said.

Blended Fuel Solutions last year supplied Alternative Petroleum Technology for Australian ferry trials with the aim of reducing fuel use by 5 percent at high loads.