In Singapore, CTI-Maritec, a Singapore-based fuel testing company, reported that several vessels in Singapore and Rotterdam experienced operational issues, including sludging, injector failure, and corrosion, caused by marine fuel blended with Cashew Nutshell Liquid, an undeclared biofuel additive.
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry tests revealed over 10,000 ppm of cardol, cardanol, and anacardic acid in Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil samples, indicating the presence of CNSL. Though a low-cost byproduct of the cashew nut industry, CNSL is known for high reactivity, instability, and corrosive properties due to its high acid and iodine values.
“Blending CNSL into marine fuels contradicts IMO best practices,” warned CTI-Maritec. The company emphasized that untested bioproducts like CNSL do not meet the established specifications of FAME-based fuels or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, which are accepted under ISO:8217 standards.
CTI-Maritec advised shipowners to avoid CNSL as a blending component, citing risks of post-combustion deposits, system failures, and potential noncompliance with fuel quality standards. The company urged rigorous testing and compliance to prevent similar incidents and ensure reliable operations.
More on the story.
Tags: Cashew Nutshell Liquid, CTI-Maritec, Singapore
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
