Fuel additives are not new and high quality ones can make a real difference, not only in terms of reduced emissions but also lower operating costs.
The problem is that a few “charlatans” have led to many businesses questioning both the reputation and reliability of additives, the company said. The ‘Snake Oil concept’ was labelled at the product, something which the company said it had worked hard to dispel.
Martek Marine claimed that its patented NanOx fuel treatment is backed 100% by science meaning it can make promises, which are backed up by fact.
The treatment works through nanotechnology, being so small that it can’t be seen with the naked eye and it ensures that all of a vessel’s fuel is used to its maximum potential.
So not only will it significantly increase fuel efficiency by 7% and reduce emissions by 25% it will also save money on every voyage as no fuel is wasted.
NanOx will also reduce engine wear, meaning that time between services can be extended, thus cutting maintenance costs and improving the life span of the engine.
The particles also effectively blast away existing carbon build up and residue to improve the overall engine performance and power by 10%.
The additive is effective in all grades and types of gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, kerosene, heating oil, propane/ butane, biofuels, light, medium and heavy fuel oils and comes with a letter of no objection from Wartsila.
“Too many charlatans have been peddling untrue rumours about the ethically of fuel additives, which has led to the 'snake oil' concept being applied in the industry,” said Martek Marine CEO, Paul Luen. “As a result there have long been concerns that there's no real science behind claims that are made about products. But our product NanOx is 100% back by science and independently backed by the TUV.
“To our knowledge no other product on the market can boast of this so don't just take our word for it - take that of one of the world's leading testing houses,” he said.
There's now less than a year until large ships using EU ports are required to report their verified annual emissions and other relevant information.
Research from the European Commission found that maritime transport emits around 1,000 mill tonnes of CO2 annually and is responsible for about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions (3rd IMO GHG study).
Shipping emissions are predicted to increase by between 50% and 250% by 2050 – depending on future economic and energy developments, so it really is time to act, Martek said.