Image credit: ExxonMobil

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ExxonMobil announced on Tuesday that it will be supplying fuels that comply with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 0.5% sulphur cap in ports of Northwest Europe, the Mediterranean and Singapore. Additional locations are set to be announced throughout 2018.

"Our new suite of compliant fuels will include residual and distillate grades. We are at a very advanced stage in the development of these fuels, therefore making us well positioned to help customers meet the reduced sulphur limit ahead of the IMO's 2020 implementation date," said Luca Volta, Marine Fuels Venture Manager at ExxonMobil.

"Close collaboration with our global manufacturing, research and development teams is crucial to this process. This integrated approach has helped us to develop fuels that not only meet the ISO 8217-2017 specification, but also ensures our customers get the high quality and compliant options they need through our stringent testing protocols and fit-for-use assessments," commented Volta.

ExxonMobil's IMO-compliant fuels are being formulated using proprietary patented technology to help identify potential compatibility issues during the development process.

"We have developed proprietary methods for determining the compatibility of various grades of fuels as well as methods for modifying fuel composition to improve quality, stability and compatibility," remarked Mike Noorman, Head of Fuels Technology, ExxonMobil Research & Engineering.

"Our patented technology is helping us to develop products that address the potential hazards vessel operators could face when mixing fuels," said Volta.

New line of marine lubricants

ExxonMobil stressed that vessel operators will continue to have to use lubricants specifically designed to work with the fuels they have on board to ensure that the correct level of protection is provided.

ExxonMobil said it was also developing a new range of marine lubricants specifically designed for 0.5% sulphur compliant fuels.