When it comes to health-related issues, what marine fuel is the best approach? This is not an easy answer, notes Chair of Analytical Chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock Prof Ralf Zimmerman.
Speaking with Riviera Maritime Media executive editor and head of business relations Edwin Lampert, Dr Zimmermann said, “Distillate fuels are cleaner when it comes to metals and other toxicants. Scrubbers and heavy fuel oils have a big problem because the metals and the toxicants are not actually retained by the scrubber. The scrubber alone is possibly not a very good solution to this.”
Dr Zimmermann was intrigued by the emergence of new low- and zero-carbon fuels to shipping, saying they have to be explored.
“I’m very optimistic about LNG. Ammonia is very interesting but still many things are unclear. We need to do research before we bring a new fuel into operation.”
When asked to clarify his answer regarding LNG, Dr Zimmermann said he was only taking into account the fuel’s health impacts. Particle emissions from gaseous fuels are significantly reduced compared with liquid fuels, he noted. Dr Zimmermann said he was not considering LNG from a climate perspective, noting issues around methane slip.
“From the health effect perspective, LNG is a good option.” Dr Zimmermann presented on ‘Health relevant particulate emissions from shipping engines: Are distillate fuels, sulphur scrubbers or new fuels a solution?’ at Maritime Air Pollution and Fuel Technologies Americas 2022, which was held 21-22 April 2022 in Houston, Texas.
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