Shell has conducted 19 trials of its very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) ahead of the implementation of the IMO’s incoming low sulphur emissions regulations on 1 January 2020.
Aside from these trials of the energy major's new 0.5% sulphur fuel, Shell said it will also be carrying out further VLSFO trials in New Orleans, Rotterdam and Singapore.
“All trials have shown that with the correct preparation, the fuels performed well in the engine, crews were comfortable using them and changeovers between grades did not result in any extra workload for the engine crew,” Shell said.
Grahaeme Henderson, head of global shipping and maritime, revealed Shell Shipping & Maritime had carried out a successful trial of the new fuel on one of its own chartered product and chemical carriers, the 49,746-dwt Silver Carolyn (built 2014), in Singapore.
“The experience we gained from this trial and others, helps us be sure that the solutions Shell provides are what our customers and shipowners want,” Henderson said.
“Working together like this, across the business, is central to how we are preparing for implementation and how we are helping our customers to be prepared too.”
The energy major urged shipowners and suppliers to start their planning now to ensure a smooth transition over the low sulphur fuels.
Shell said fuel suppliers need to adjust crude diets, segregate lower sulphur streams and prepare logistics to protect the integrity of the different sulphur grades.
In turn shipowners must develop ship implementation plans to identify fuel grades and quantities needed.
Shell also encouraged owners and operators to get in touch if they want to trial its new VLSFO so they can better understand compatibility, storage, handling, and changeover requirements ahead of implementation.
Global sales and marketing manager Melissa Williams said: “The partnership gives our customers’ crews and engineers important experience with the fuels and we, as the supplier, are able to develop our operational handling guidelines.”
Shell started offering trials of its new fuel offering in August last year, giving further details of its availability two months later.
Last month, the company launched a new lubricant, Shell Alexia 40, for use in two-stroke engines running on VLSFO.
This will be available in Singapore from 1 June this year and at other main supply ports from 1 July, the company said.
