The technology from Fuelsave GmbH is offered with a ‘contractually guaranteed 10% saving on overall fuel costs’. The technology also significantly reduces CO2, NOx, and Particulate Matter (PM) emissions, through a cleaner and cooler combustion process.
FS Marine+, a patented engine efficiency enhancement system uses an onboard hydrogen synthgas generator to inject a gas and liquid water/methanol solution into an engine’s combustion chamber to significantly improve efficiency.
According to Marc Sima, the company’s co-founder and President, FS Marine+ can be applied to almost all types of two- and four-stroke engines, although those running on HFO, MGO or MDO benefit from the greatest efficiency gains and, consequently, the highest savings and best return on investment (RoI).
Efficiency gains were confirmed during land-based tests carried out by FTVR, the same independent test laboratory at the University of Rostock, Germany used by engine builders to assess their engines’ emissions behaviour.
Even though the test engine operated only one cylinder, the FS Marine+ system was shown to reduce fuel consumption by up to 11.8%, NOx by up to 36% and Filter Smoke Number (FSN) by 40%. The solution was also shown to reduce the engine’s air intake manifold temperature by 50°C, without detriment to engine operation and performance.
Similar efficiency gains were achieved during pilot trials on the four-stroke onboard a 160m long heavy-lift crane vessel, one of the largest in Europe. During the 30-month trials, overseen and verified by the shipowner, independent third parties, authorities and engine service companies, the introduction of Fuelsave’s enhancement resulted in significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.
Engine wear and tear was also found to have been significantly reduced, compared to those engines that operated without the FS Marine+ solution.
Fuelsave plans to roll out further systems over the next two years, by which time the company hopes FS Marine+ will be fully recognised in the market and approved by all the main marine engine builders.
By Jake Frith
