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Novenco and Alfa Laval have joined forces to provide a new fuel oil cooling system that is intended to be used specifically for the treatment of low sulphur marine fuels.

Known as the Alfa Laval Advanced Cooling System (ACS), the solution is designed to allow ships to operate safely with any quality of low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO).

The collaboration between Novenco and Alfa Laval began in March 2010 and the two companies signed an official partner agreement on November 23rd of the same year.

ACS is specially designed for easy installation in restricted space areas. At the heart of the system is Novenco’s QCM chiller unit [pictured], which delivers chilled water to the Alfa Laval Fuel Conditioning Module (FCM) at a stable temperature, thus enabling accurate control of fuel oil viscosity in all conditions.

According to Novenco, the viscosity of LSFO can be accurately controlled regardless of seawater temperature, which in turn gives the crew the confidence to operate the ship safely anywhere in the world. This capability has become increasingly important due to tightening SECA restrictions.

Novenco says that today's ships require a fuel system that conditions LSFO sufficiently to ensure safe operation of all machinery. "Without this, many parts of the world will fall outside of operational limits," the company points out.

Alfa Laval and Novenco report a steady increase in demand for ACS. The list of commissioned systems is said to be 'considerable' and to cover all ship types.

"The close corporation between the two companies ensures the best possible support and service for customers," the companies said in a statement.

Image: Novenco’s QCM chiller unit