Marine emergency equipment must be immediately available and capable of performing their safety duties. The fuel in this critical equipment must be suitable and well-maintained to ensure the reliable operation of lifeboats, emergency generators, and other emergency assets when needed.
The Importance of DMX Fuel
The ISO 8217 standard specifies a special fuel called DMX for use in emergency equipment. DMX fuel has characteristics such as quick ignition after long periods of inactivity, the ability to operate at low temperatures, and stability in long-term storage. This fuel must have a minimum cetane index of 45.0, a maximum cloud point of -16 degrees Celsius, and a minimum flash point of 43 degrees Celsius.
Concerning Statistics on Fuel Quality
Recent studies indicate that 48% of fuel samples from emergency equipment have not been identified as DMX. Additionally, 28.6% of these samples contained FAME above 0.1% and 6.2% were contaminated with microbes. These statistics highlight that the selection of fuel and the condition of stored fuel require more attention to ensure the safety of emergency equipment.
According to SOLAS regulations, sufficient fuel must be provided for lifeboats to operate for 24 hours at a speed of 6 knots. This requirement particularly underscores the importance of fuel quality and emphasizes the need for its suitability for environmental conditions.
Regarding emergency generators, there are two common types of functional failures: generator failure to start and starting without providing the necessary power. SOLAS regulations also emphasize that the emergency power source must have sufficient capacity and stability to provide essential services.
Considering that emergency equipment may remain in standby mode for long periods, fuel quality plays a vital role in the reliability of this equipment. Therefore, using DMX fuel is important not only economically but also for the safety of critical equipment.
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