DNVPS completes worldwide R&D network with new research unit in Fujairah.
DNV Petroleum Services now has a global research network with the addition of a research and development (R&D) unit in the company’s Fujairah fuel testing facility. The new setup complements DNVPS’ existing research units in Singapore, Oslo, Rotterdam and the USA.
Equipped with a complete range of advanced analytical equipment, including Fuel Ignition Analyser and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry instruments, the R&D centre in Fujairah will strengthen DNVPS’ capability in identifying fuel contaminants and their impact on ship operation and safety.
“Enhanced testing instruments allow us to carry out sophisticated fuel investigations and we will use the latest technology to add new findings to our fuel quality experience and knowledge,” said DNVPS managing director Per Holmvang.
First in the Middle East
The R&D unit in DNVPS Fujairah is believed to be the only one in the Middle East dedicated to marine fuel research. What makes this setup stand out is not just the state-of-the-art analytical instruments available, but more importantly, the pool of expertise within DNVPS and DNV it can tap into, Mr Holmvang explained.
To boost its credentials further, DNVPS Fujairah, which has been ISO 17025 accredited since 2002, will soon be among the first testing and calibration facilities to receive a similar endorsement from the local standards body, Emirates National Accreditation System.
As the worldwide bunker market develops in complexity, Mr Holmvang said there is a need to position marine fuel management beyond routine testing and measurement.
“Twenty-five years ago, we introduced the concept of fuel testing to the shipping community in response to a basic need for determining whether the fuel quality was acceptable. This remains an imperative, except that we are now dealing with more waste materials and chemicals entering the bunker supply chain.”
Dual focus
Mr Holmvang said DNVPS research will have a dual focus – enlarging the database of typical fuel profiles to screen off contaminants in fuel samples and optimising fuel efficiency through collaborative research with engine makers.
“Marine fuel management is not just about detecting potential problems through fuel analysis. It can be about helping ship operators to set up a reliable fuel quality management system that accommodates operational, technical and purchasing objectives; make informed decisions about who and where to buy fuels from; optimize fuel consumption; or handle the consequences of fuel use, which in the worst scenario means managing bunker quality disputes and extensive engine damage.”
As an illustration, Mr Holmvang said DNVPS and DNV can assist ship operators in designing a suitable onboard fuel treatment plant as well as a condition monitoring system to cope with low sulphur fuel consumption required under MARPOL Annex VI regulations, especially when the Sulphur Oxide Control Areas (Secas) kick in next year.
To offer such a comprehensive fuel management package, DNVPS’ long-term strategy will involve maintaining an efficient service infrastructure, investing in hi-tech analytical equipment, stringent quality management, and most of all, customizing solutions based on research and expertise available across the DNV enterprise.
Mr Holmvang added that DNVPS will continue to leverage advanced technology to achieve greater flexibility and resource optimization; a move leading to the company’s recent decision to consolidate its US operations in Houston, where testing and research capacities are being enlarged.
Consolidating operations
Mr Holmvang added that the DNVPS laboratory in Algeciras will also merge with DNVPS Oslo this year to optimize resources and form a bigger regional fuel analysis cum research hub.
DNVPS Algeciras, which will soon begin transferring its lab operations to Oslo, is retaining a customer service team to assist clients in Spain and to manage the logistics and survey services in the local market.
As with the consolidation of the company’s US operations, Mr Holmvang does not expect the changes in DNVPS Algeciras to cause any major inconvenience to ship operators.
“All logistical plans are in place to ensure a smooth transition, including the re-routing of fuel samples from Algeciras to Oslo,” said Mr Holmvang.