ExxonMobil launches VLSFO marine fuels range

The EMF.5 range of fuels are all compatible with each other, so long as bunkering, storage and handling best practices are observed.

The fuels will be available in ports in Northwest Europe, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp (ARA), as well as the Port of Zeebrugge from the end of Q3 or the beginning of Q4 2019, Luca Volta, Marine Fuels Venture Manager, ExxonMobil, told The Motorship.

The new suite of fuels will also be available in Marseille and Genoa in the Mediterranean, and Singapore and Thailand in southeast Asia.

After January 2020, there will be a wide range of very low sulphur fuels and ultra low sulphur fuels. “In my conversations with industry stakeholders, the main question that I receive is around quality to a far greater extent than availability. That is why we have launched our new fuel range. And by launching this range of fuels under our brand name, we are making a commitment.”

Investments and tests

In addition to rigorous fit for use assessments, ExxonMobil uses shore side test engines as well as on-board vessel trials as needed to ensure our products meet or exceed our customers’ expectations.

“We have developed proprietary methods for modifying fuel composition to improve quality characteristics, such as combustion, stability, waxing and compatibility.”

ExxonMobil has committed multi-billion US dollar investments into the Antwerp, Rotterdam and Singapore refineries, in order to permit the production of fuels, lubricants and chemicals that its customers require.

ExxonMobil has also invested in secondary logistics at the Port of Zeebrugge where it will be able to supply vessels via estuary barges.

ExxonMobil has plans to expand both the fuel range and the locations where it is available, but the new fuels would need to meet the same Clause 5 and compatibility standards.

“We are looking at our circuit of manufacturing assets, and we are continuing to screen potential fuels, but it is an iterative process. We are looking at fuel ignition, ECN and other factors.”