Abstract
This is a summary report of the Multi-client project "Characterization of Low Sulfur Fuel Oils (LSFO)
– A new generation of marine fuel oils" (2019-2020). The project has been funded by
MPRI/Fisheries and Ocean-DFO Canada, ITOPF (R&D Award) and the Norwegian Coastal
Administration (NCA).
In order to meet new requirements for lower sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions to the air,
new generation of low sulfur marine fuel oil (LSFO) are now replacing the traditional Intermediate
fuels and heavy fuel oils (like IFO 180 and IFO 380) with "Ultra Low Sulfur Oils" – ULSFO (S ≤0.10 %
m/m), for use in the Sulfur Emission Control Area (SECA) in Europe and North America from 2015,
and a Global Sulfur Cap regulation was implemented from 2020 with "Very Low Sulfur Oils" (S ≤
0.50 %m/m). This project aims to provide responders better knowledge and preparedness for spills
involving new generation of low sulfur residual marine fuel oil on the market today. The project
included laboratory studies with focus on fate and behaviour, potential toxicity and with relevance
to the effectiveness of different oil spill response options (use of dispersants and in-situ burning).
Test methodologies was also subjected to an interlaboratory study and experiments performed
both in Norway (SINTEF) and in Canada (SL Ross) on one of the tested oils.
The companies mentioned in this report provided samples for investigation of the fuel’s
characteristics when spilled in sea water to help with the development of an industry response
strategy for a new generation of low-sulfur fuel oils. Many of the low-sulfur fuels being developed
by the industry share similar compositions, so it is important to notice that the findings of this
report are not unique to the fuel samples analysed. The results of this study are indicative of a new
generation of marine fuel oil across the wider industry. Further laboratory analysis of low-sulfur
fuel oils from other suppliers is needed to give a clearer understanding of the characteristics and
behaviours of individual products.
– A new generation of marine fuel oils" (2019-2020). The project has been funded by
MPRI/Fisheries and Ocean-DFO Canada, ITOPF (R&D Award) and the Norwegian Coastal
Administration (NCA).
In order to meet new requirements for lower sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions to the air,
new generation of low sulfur marine fuel oil (LSFO) are now replacing the traditional Intermediate
fuels and heavy fuel oils (like IFO 180 and IFO 380) with "Ultra Low Sulfur Oils" – ULSFO (S ≤0.10 %
m/m), for use in the Sulfur Emission Control Area (SECA) in Europe and North America from 2015,
and a Global Sulfur Cap regulation was implemented from 2020 with "Very Low Sulfur Oils" (S ≤
0.50 %m/m). This project aims to provide responders better knowledge and preparedness for spills
involving new generation of low sulfur residual marine fuel oil on the market today. The project
included laboratory studies with focus on fate and behaviour, potential toxicity and with relevance
to the effectiveness of different oil spill response options (use of dispersants and in-situ burning).
Test methodologies was also subjected to an interlaboratory study and experiments performed
both in Norway (SINTEF) and in Canada (SL Ross) on one of the tested oils.
The companies mentioned in this report provided samples for investigation of the fuel’s
characteristics when spilled in sea water to help with the development of an industry response
strategy for a new generation of low-sulfur fuel oils. Many of the low-sulfur fuels being developed
by the industry share similar compositions, so it is important to notice that the findings of this
report are not unique to the fuel samples analysed. The results of this study are indicative of a new
generation of marine fuel oil across the wider industry. Further laboratory analysis of low-sulfur
fuel oils from other suppliers is needed to give a clearer understanding of the characteristics and
behaviours of individual products.
