The Importance of Marine Fuel Quality Testing
In 1981, VPS marine fuel quality testing (FQT) service was focused on achieving a sustainable global shipping fleet. This was clear even before the word “sustainable” was ever applied to the protection of the planet. VPS was testing fuel to ensure the protection of vessel operations and engines, crew health and safety, and the environment.
Current Challenges in Shipping
Today, global shipping is navigating its way towards decarbonization and sustainability, with increasingly complex regulatory and legislative requirements being placed upon vessel owners and operators. In support of such requirements, digitalization and the demand for immediate accurate data, along with the use of low-to-zero carbon fuels, are now necessities within shipping.
VPS Testing and Inspection Services
VPS continues to provide market-leading testing and inspection services that support shipowners and operators to comply with and go beyond regulatory requirements. These services extend the lifetime and usage of fuels and lube oils and indirectly that of the assets in which they’re employed.
Fuel Quality Testing
VPS verifies a vessel’s fuel, whether it’s fossil, bio-based, or methanol, to ensure it’s meeting current stringent specifications. By identifying quality issues early, operators avoid engine damage, unplanned downtime, and expensive retrofits.
Benefits of Fuel Quality Testing
- Avoid engine damage and unplanned downtime
- Prevent expensive retrofits and repairs
- Ensure compliance with current stringent specifications
Rigorous Lubricant Testing
VPS also performs rigorous lubricant testing to help fine-tune equipment and maintain operational efficiency and reduce downtime.
Benefits of Lubricant Testing
- Maintain operational efficiency
- Reduce downtime
- Improve equipment performance
Emissions Measurement
VPS deploys emissions measurement equipment to gather accurate data crucial for compliance reporting and operational insights.
Benefits of Emissions Measurement
- Gather accurate data for compliance reporting
- Gain operational insights
- Support compliance with regulations
VPS Decarbonisation Services
Beyond testing and its associated data services, VPS offers decarbonisation software and advisory services to support vessel owners and operators in their transition to cleaner and more cost-effective operations.
Decarbonisation Software and Advisory Services
- Strategic decarbonisation planning
- Fuel performance optimization
- Techical and operational efficiency initiatives
- Crew training
Benefits of Decarbonisation Services
- Reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions
- Improve operational efficiency
- Support compliance with regulations
Regulatory Requirements
From the initial implementation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI in 2005, shipping has witnessed numerous levels of legislation being introduced to which vessels must comply.
Current Regulations
- International Maritime Organisation (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI
- Fuel Quality Directive (FQD)
- EU ETS (Emissions Trading System)
- EU ETS Phase 2
- EU ETS Phase 3
Benefits of Compliance
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Improve environmental performance
- Support economic growth and competitiveness
VPS Emissions Monitoring and Data Analysis
VPS offers emissions monitoring and data analysis services to support vessel owners and operators in their compliance efforts.
Emissions Monitoring and Data Analysis
- NOx (NO + NO2), CO2, SO2, CO, CH4, H2O, NH3 & O2
- Cascade laser detection system
- Ship-to-shore transfer of data
Benefits of Emissions Monitoring and Data Analysis
- Accurate emissions data
- Streamline reporting processes
- Minimize risk of costly errors
EU ETS Implementation
The EU ETS implementation is occurring in phases, with shipping companies required to surrender allowances for their verified annual emissions.
EU ETS Phases
- 2024: 40%
- 2025: 70%
- 2026: 100%
Benefits of EU ETS
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Improve environmental performance
- Support economic growth and competitiveness
Fuel EU Maritime
The Fuel EU Maritime initiative aims to promote the adoption of sustainable fuels and alternative energy sources, with a progressively tightening cap on the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used.
Benefits of Fuel EU Maritime
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Improve environmental performance
- Support economic growth and competitiveness
VPS Decarbonisation Support
VPS offers end-to-end strategic support for maritime decarbonisation, including evaluating alternative fuels, compliance roadmaps, crew training and engagement, fleet efficiency assessments, and advanced technologies and hybrid propulsion.
Decarbonisation Support
- Evaluate alternative fuels
- Compliance roadmaps
- Crew training and engagement
- Fleet efficiency assessments
- Advanced technologies and hybrid propulsion
VPS Integrated Decarbonisation Platform
VPS is developing a new on-line, integrated decarbonisation platform to support vessel owners and operators in their transition to cleaner and more cost-effective operations.
Benefits of VPS Services
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Improve environmental performance
- Support economic growth and competitiveness
VPS: A Leader in Maritime Decarbonisation
VPS is a leader in maritime decarbonisation, offering a range of innovative services to support vessel owners and operators in their transition to cleaner and more cost-effective operations. With its expertise in testing and inspection services, decarbonisation software and advisory services, and emissions monitoring and data analysis services, VPS is well-positioned to support the maritime industry in its journey towards a more sustainable future.
