Remediation strategies for ultra-low sulfur fuel oil in winter conditions (KO 5133)
Funded by Kolarctic CBC 2014-2020

Objective of the project

This new type of hybrid fuel oil, ultralow-sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO) is being used increasingly both within and outside SECA. They tend to be rich in waxes and have high pour point which affect the dispersibility of the oils at low temperature and presents challenge for removing them from marine environment in cold winter. The project was aimed at building an international network for joint knowledge exchange on ultralow-sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO), investigating the behavior of the spilled ULSFO under marine sub-arctic and Arctic winter conditions, identifying the potential risks for oil spill response, and testing the effectiveness of chemical dispersant in enhancing the biodegradation process of ULSFO.

Main activities

Laboratory work in cooperation between the partners, and workshops.

Achievements

Creating a well-functioning network to investigate the behavior of the spilled ultra-low sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO) under marine sub-arctic and Arctic winter conditions and exchange of best practices. Producing i) An evaluation report on the use of dispersant in oil spill combat for the oil HDME 50, ii) Recommendations for developing oil remediation strategies based on risk assessment of the spilled oil for appropriate environment protection authorities and agencies from BEAR cross border countries, iii) A teaching material for educational program at Narfu; iv) Two scientific papers (in preparation) will be submitted to relevant journals.