As part of the ongoing effort to find new, efficient and
environmentally sensitive fuels, MSC Shipmanagement is working with Quadrise, a
developer of emulsified synthetic heavy fuel oil. Under a new joint development
agreement, they will scope out in 2021 the operational trials of the new fuel
on a container ship.
Using existing technology, Quadrise has developed Multiphase
Superfine Atomised Residue (MSAR), which is an emulsified synthetic heavy fuel
oil for marine bunker and other applications of HFO. Through the application of
chemistry, water is used instead of distillates is used to produce the fuel,
which the company says is both low cost and has significant environmental
benefits. Quadrise reports that it is a bunker fuel with 20 percent less CO2
than conventional HFO. Quadrise has also developed a new bioMSARTM biofuel.
According to the companies, the project will use Quadrise’s
skills in emulsion fuel application and use in large diesel engines. MSC will
provide technical expertise relating to naval architecture, machinery systems,
fuels, exhaust gas cleaning systems, emissions, and technical ship management.
"We believe that MSC's large modern fleet installed
with electronic engines and, in some cases, exhaust gas cleaning systems
(scrubbers) is well-positioned to realize the economic and environmental
benefits of MSAR and bioMSARTM,” said Jason Miles, CEO of Quadrise. “We look
forward to realizing the project and getting the trials underway in 2021."
In the first three months of the MSAR Operational Trial,
they will define the scope of the project completing high-level scoping and
feasibility activities. During the second quarter of 2021, they expect to
complete the definition of the project as well as the project roadmap.
Phase 1 of the project involved testing with one of the
large motors. The companies plan to test MSAR and possibly the bioMSARTM
biofuel, in either a large MAN ME and/or a Wärtsilä /WinGD Flex 2-stroke
engine. Working with the engine manufacturers they will seek a “Letter of No
Objection” approval to proceed further with the fuel tests.
The ultimate goal is to conduct one or more trials aboard
representative vessels in the second half of 2021. Assuming the successful
completion of the trials and further agreements they hope to roll-out the use
of the fuel on MSC’s global fleet.
Commenting on this agreement "MSC is looking forward to
working with the Quadrise team under the JDA in 2021 to scope out the
operational trials of MSAR on our container vessels,” said Prabhat Jha, Group
MD & CEO of MSC Shipmanagement. “We are particularly interested in the
potential environmental benefits of MSAR and bioMSARTM that, alongside the
economic benefits, reflect our approach to operating a modern MSC fleet, and
fit well with our overall future fuels strategy."