With stringent decarbonisation regulations already in force within the EU/EEA, the European authorities are now focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships sailing in EU/EEA waters and on the GHG intensity of the fuels burnt on board.
Once the measures of the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships are adopted, this focus will eventually stretch over a larger geographical area.
The shipping industry needs to shift to low- to zero-carbon emission fuels, including various biofuels, says Norwegian insurer Skuld.
Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL) is an example of the options being explored for ‘drop-in’ fuels alongside other alternative fuels.
It is a by-product of the cashew nut and acts as a low-cost alternative renewable fuel.
But Skuld warns that its characteristics include high levels of acidity, which makes it highly corrosive and therefore results in poor combustion properties.
“However, it does improve lubricity and the energy content of the fuel blend. CNSL typically contains phenolic compounds, which have a high chance of polymerisation and can become unstable.”
The company points out that CNSL blends can cause serious problems to the engine components, such as accelerated wear and tear of the fuel pump components, cracks in the fuel systems, and poor engine performance, resulting in loss of power.
Its advice is to always perform due diligence when ordering or procuring bunkers.
