Wilhelmsen, a company specializing in ship management, has signed a supply agreement with Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science (Hitachi High-Tech) to deliver systems for on-board fuel testing.
According to a statement, Wilhelmsen will supply Hitachi High-Tech’s X-MET8000 handheld XRF analysers to shippers, enabling vessel crews to accurately and quickly test the sulphur content of their fuel “on the spot”.
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 0.5% sulphur cap, scheduled to come into force in January 2020, will make the ability to perform lab-quality testing in seconds an “operational necessity” for both seafarers and maritime authorities.
Wilhelmsen has asserted that Hitachi High-Tech’s XRF spectrometers require little sample preparation and minimal training, as well as providing trustworthy results instantly.
“Partnering with Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science enables us to provide our customers with, what we believe will become an absolutely essential tool ahead of IMO 2020” – Jonas Östlund. Learn more about our new supply agreement with Hitachi here: https://t.co/M8mkKSPi7s pic.twitter.com/oeDQj422ZF
— Wilhelmsen group (@Wilhelmsengroup) February 12, 2019
Jonas Östlund, Product Marketing Manager at Wilhelmsen, said: “Partnering with Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science, one of the leading fuel testing specialist, enables us to provide our customers, what we believe will, become an absolutely essential tool ahead of IMO 2020.
“As vessels approach Emission Control Areas (ECAs), with a lower 0.1%, permissible sulphur content limit, the engine room can immediately and accurately test the Sulphur content of the fuel flowing to the engines after changeover and ensure it is compliant.”
In addition to this, the on-board testing equipment is also expected to lessen reliance on the traditional Bunker Delivery Note, allowing crews to check the sulphur content of the fuel during bunkering.
Dr Bryan Comer discusses the risks of heavy fuel oil, in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Vito Angona, Global Sales Director at Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science, also commented: “Our partnership with Wilhelmsen offers customers the best of both worlds, our 45-years of expertise in fuels analysis and Wilhelmsen’s wealth of experience in the shipping services market.
“We offer a turnkey solution to the market, everything you need for sulphur analysis in one place by one supplier.”
Hitachi High-Tech’s cloud service and data-sharing facilities will also enable shippers to store and manage analysis data.
With the high costs and weather concerns of implementing some solutions, such as drone technology, mobile equipment is likely to become a favoured means of testing and ensuring compliance.
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