Carbon emissions of port vessel in fuel treatment trial significantly reduced

Aspecial fuel treatment trial on one of Peterhead Port Authority’s harbour vessels has dramatically reduced its carbon emissions.

Local company Enviroteck deployed an innovative nanocatalyst fuel treatment called CleanBoost to change the behaviour of fuel on the Flying Scud.

Over a nine-week period, carbon emissions declined by more than 20%. At the same time, the product cleansed the vessel’s engine of old carbon deposits, yielding a much clearer exhaust.

Ewan Rattray, PPA Harbour Master & Director of Port Operations, said: “We have adopted a policy port-wide of substantially reducing our carbon emissions, and decided to stage this trial with the Flying Scud to assess the impact of fuel treatment technology.

“It has been a success, not only in cutting emissions, but in cleaning the vessel’s engine and saving on fuel costs overall.

“We will now fully assess the results and consider whether to adopt the technology permanently on this and on our other port-based vessels.”

Omar Irvine, of Enviroteck, who conducted the trial, said that emissions on the Flying Scud rose initially as the proprietary nanocatalyst treatment began to clear carbon deposits from within combustion chambers.

“However, as those were clearedandneutralised,emissions fell back substantially,” he said.

“Crucially, unlike many fuel additives, the unique nanocatalyst treatment helps protect the engine by increasing lubricity lost with ultra-low-sulphur diesel and the use of additives, and can be applied to any combustion engine.

“As well as the combustion chambers, it cleans fuel injectors, intake exhaust valves, fuel filters and tanks reducing maintenance and servicing costs.

“The cleaner your engine, the lower your emissions, saving on fuel consumption and service costs while increasing power.”

Meanwhile, a net-zero strategy is being developed for the port itself, with baseline carbon emissions being assessed with a view to reducing them.

There are already solar panels on the Seagate business complex roof, fish market roof and its adjacent new ice factory, which is designed to use 30% less power per tonne of ice than its predecessor.

Electric vehicles are favoured along with LED lighting, and shore power for fishing vessels is being upgraded.

The port recently welcomed the appointment of a new chief executive officer as it seeks to maximise opportunities in the energy transition while continuing to serve traditional industries such as fishing.

Graeme Reid, formerly a marine consultant with the International Maritime Contractors Association (IMCA), has extensive maritime management experience.

Mr Reid, from Newtonhill, Aberdeenshire, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed CEO of Peterhead Port Authority, and I am committed to building on the success the port has had to date with a focus on innovation, collaboration and growth.

“I am excited for the prospects that lie ahead, and together we can leverage our strengths and seize new opportunities to make a meaningful impact in our community and industry.”