Things You Don’t Know About Marine Fuel Oil

If you’ve ever wanted to buy a boat but didn’t know how to start, you should know a few things about marine fuel oil. Most large ocean-going vessels use it. Fuel oil is the most commonly used fuel on boats, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of global fuel oil production. Compared to other refined products, marine fuel oil is extremely affordable. But there are some things you should keep in mind, including the marine fuel oil price.

Distillate fuels

Distillate fuels are a good alternative to conventional marine fuel oil. They have a division devoted to marine distillate fuels, and you can contact a representative to learn about their fuel’s properties. In addition to offering a wide variety of different fuels, these products comply with IMO guidelines, making them a safe choice for any vessel.

Heavy fuel oil

Before buying marine fuel oil, you should know what’s in it. Fuel oil is a key component of ship fuel. Heavy fuel oil is generally used for larger ships. However, new regulations may make it necessary to switch to marine gas oil, a lower sulphur distillate fuel. However, this change may not be a breeze. Whether it’s a technical change or a practical one, it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting into.

Residue

Marine fuel oil contains residue produced during the process of refining crude oil. This product is often a mixture of several refinery streams, and it is used to power seagoing vessels. However, residual oil is highly volatile and requires engineered systems to operate properly. It is also heavier than water and requires proper storage. The oil must be heated between 65 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe in marine engines.

Cetane index

The cetane index of marine fuel oil reflects the quality of the oil. This number is calculated based on the distillation range and density of the oil. This number has several versions, including imperial and metric units. Most oil companies use a 4-point method that includes density, 10% recovery temperature, and 50% recovery temperature. The two-point method tends to overestimate the cetane index and does not consider any additized diesel fuel.