Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)
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Item Low Sulphur Fuels in the Arctic(2025-05-12) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME); Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (EPPR)The EPPR/PAME project “Low Sulphur Fuels - Fate and Behaviour in Cold Water Conditions” was approved in 2019 and completed in 2025. The primary goal with the project was to address knowledge gaps regarding the use of low-sulphur fuels in the Arctic and assess the environmental impact of potential spills. The results from this project highlight the importance of detailed fuel characterization and expertise in determining optimal spill response strategies. The properties of these fuel oils, and their behavior on cold water surface, present significant challenges for oil spill response and cleanup operations in Arctic waters.Item Heavy Fuel in the Arctic Report - Phase III(b)(2016)Summary: The Phase III(b) report investigates the possible hazards to engines and fuel systems using HFO in cold climates by comparing the rate of engine or fuel system failures for ships that use HFO in the Arctic to the rate of similar failures for ships that rely upon other fuel types in similar Arctic conditions. HFO characteristics and operational challenges related to HFO use by ships are explained, and known risk factors related to HFO operation are discussed. Findings: The Phase III(b) report identifies three primary factors for engine failure or engine stop for ships that use HFO as fuel: i) risks related to disruption of fuel supply; ii) risks related to fuel quality, and; iii) risks related to fuel switchover. Moreover, the report highlights that the safe use of HFO as fuel requires careful attention by skilled personnel following established on-board procedures. Because ‘off-spec’ fuel is probably the most important risk factor for engine failure or loss of propulsion, effective on-board fuel management will therefore significantly reduce the risk of engine break-down, engine repair, or grounding.Item Heavy Fuel in the Arctic Report - Phase III(a)(2016)Summary: The Phase III(a) report examines shipping incidents involving releases of HFO and other fuels in the Arctic and near-Arctic marine environment. The first section of the report provides a general overview and description of the characteristics of HFO. The second section identifies shipping incidents in the region involving HFO and other oil releases and any resulting reported liability. This information is captured in a separate annex of shipping incidents and sources. The third and final section of the Phase III(a) report examines the effect of HFO releases on the marine environment. Findings: The appendix accompanying this report captures shipping incidents between 1970 and 2014 identified in publicly available sources that involved a release or spill from a vessel of oil and any resulting liability from such release. 13 incidents of HFO release were identified while other non-HFO incidents were also captured. The majority of these incidents occurred in near-Arctic waters, which for purposes of this report encompass those waters north of latitude 55° N. Although the effect of HFO releases on the Arctic marine environment requires more study, the Phase III(a) identifies three key factors that influence the consequence of an oil or analogous HFO discharge into the marine environment: i) the properties of the HFO; ii) the characteristics of the Arctic ecosystem and its inhabitants, and; iii) the nature of the clean-up or remediation process. While the first two aspects are addressed, the third remains outside the scope of this report.Item Heavy Fuel Oil use by Ships in the Arctic 2019(2020-10) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)Item Heavy Fuel Oil use by Ships in the Arctic 2019(Arctic Council Secretariat, 2021-03-18) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)