MASH Makes’ Upgraded CNSL passes critical lab engine test

In Denmark, MASH Makes’ Upgraded CNSL fuel has passed acritical lab engine test that confirms its readiness for marine use without the reliability issues traditionally associated with CNSL-based fuels. In recent years, CNSL, a fuel made from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), emerged as a promising, but at times unreliable alternative to existing biofuels. Its tendency to polymerize and inability to reliably blend has been a cause of frustration among shipowners. This sticky characteristic isn’t surprising, though, given that it is traditionally used as a resin to thicken paint. But now, through a proprietary upgrading process, MASH Makes developed a CNSL-based fuel that is clean-burning, stable, and suitable for commercial shipping.

The tested blend — 20% Upgraded CNSL and 80% VLSFO — was evaluated at FVTR GmbH using a marinegrade single cylinder research engine. The fuel showed:

·      Clean combustion

·      No injector fouling or residue

·      Stable operation across all loads, with no tuning or pressure adjustments required

The upgraded CNSL also showed improved emissions compared to earlier blends:

·      NOx slightly increased but stayed within IMO Tier II limits

·      CO levels remained stable, indicating good combustion

·      Smoke decreased at partial loads and increased only slightly at full load

This test represents a key milestone in making CNSL a viable and scalable commercial fuel for shipping.