‘Snake Oil’ Goes Mainstream as Shippers Grapple With Fuel Shift
- Producers of marine-fuel additives have seen surge in sales
- Growth reflects concern that IMO 2020 fuels may be less stable
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An obscure part of the global marine-fuel market, once viewed as having little value for most shippers, is about to have its day.
Producers of additives -- anything that makes fuels more viscous, lubricating or stable -- are cashing in as new shipping regulations require vessel owners to switch to cleaner fuels. At least some new low-sulfur fuels contain ingredients that can separate over time, potentially making them liable to clog equipment.