Fri 18 Jan 2013, 11:53 GMT

Emulsion fuel tests completed


Commercial volumes of Marine MSAR®2 are expected to be produced from mid-2013.



Announcement - Source: Quadrise Fuels International plc

Quadrise, the emerging supplier of MSAR®, a low cost alternative to heavy fuel oil in the shipping, refining, and power generation markets, is pleased to announce that the further tests on Marine MSAR®2 have been completed and successfully demonstrated the general efficacy and performance of the fuel as intended.

The tests were carried out in late 2012 by A.P.Møller-Mærsk and a leading marine engine manufacturer on a state of the art 2-stroke marine diesel engine of a type installed on many modern vessels. A test report has been issued to each of the participating parties. The exact contents of the report are subject to detailed confidentiality provisions.

On the back of this test, Quadrise continues to anticipate that commercial volumes of Marine MSAR®2 will be produced progressively from mid-2013. This will allow the wider evaluation of performance across a representative range of vessels prior to full commercial roll-out during 2014, as previously stated. The plan for 2013, however, remains subject to third party approvals and the conclusion of detailed plans and commercial agreements with stakeholders during the coming months.

As advised in the company's updates to shareholders on 28 August and 14 December 2012, scientists and engineers from Quadrise and AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry AB successfully developed Marine MSAR®2, an enhanced version of the fuel, following initial sea trials that were completed in the first half of 2012. The enhanced fuel is based on advanced formulation techniques and highly efficient additives.

Commenting on this development, Ian Williams, Executive Chairman of QFI said: "The sea trials conducted last year provided valuable and pioneering insight into the use of Marine MSAR® as bunker fuel. We are delighted by the results of the recent tests on Marine MSAR®2 on an advanced 2-stroke engine that were a necessary precursor to the company entering the commercial phase during 2013. We look forward to concluding agreements with our partners and delivering commercial volumes of Marine MSAR®2 during 2013. Once again we thank our distinguished partners in this 'game changing' venture for their continued enthusiasm and support."


UEC60LSJ ammonia-fuelled engine render. J-ENG secures orders for four ammonia-fuelled engines under Japanese PCTC project  

Vessels form part of plan to build four ammonia-fuelled car carriers, a dedicated bunkering vessel and supply chain.

Hanwha Power receives ABS AiP for battery-powered containership design. ABS grants AIP to Hanwha Power for 1,700-TEU battery-powered container ship  

Design uses roughly 151 MWh of swappable battery storage for fully electric propulsion on a container vessel.

Peter Krahenbuhl, WinGD. WinGD signs first licence deal with HD Hyundai Marine Engine to expand Korean production  

Mid-bore engine portfolio gains new production route into Korea's bulk carrier and tanker newbuild markets.

ONE Symphony naming ceremony. Ocean Network Express names ammonia- and methanol-ready newbuild ONE Symphony  

Vessel features conventional diesel main engine, with concept designs approved for possible future conversion to methanol or ammonia.

Sing Fuels logo. Sing Fuels seeks Asia-based supply trader to bolster bunker procurement team  

Singapore bunkering firm is recruiting a supply trader to manage marine fuel purchasing across Asia.

MOL joint naming ceremony. MOL names world's first ammonia-fuelled Capesize bulk carriers  

Naming of Ruri Mirai, Ruri Sekai and Ruri Hikari signals ammonia's arrival as a marine fuel for large bulk carriers.

Washington State Hybrid-Electric 160-Auto Ferry vessel render. ABB wins Washington State Ferries' third hybrid-electric vessel order  

ABB extends its role in the US ferry operator's electrification programme, which targets emission-free operations by 2050.

Aurora Borealis vessel. Kawasaki Heavy Industries delivers LPG-fuelled carrier Aurora Borealis  

Ship could also be modified in future to allow for ammonia-fuelled operation.

Rendering of Estonia's first shore-charged electric ferry. Estonian State Fleet's shore-charged electric ferry completes model testing in Germany  

Hull and propulsion tests show the vessel's energy consumption remains within contracted limits with room to spare.

Kypros Island vessel. Tsuneishi delivers first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier from Chinese yard  

Shipbuilder claims progress towards establishing a mass-production system for vessels designed to reduce environmental impact.