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Writer's pictureTeam Dmet Club

Citadel Alert: Exploring VLSFO Issues and the Role of Additives in Minimising Environmental Impact

On October 27, at 12 PM IST, Dmet Club’s Sunday Citadel will host a highly anticipated session featuring Ms. Ritu Chaudhri, a dynamic business leader and Director of Enmarol Petroleum India Private Limited. With her deep-rooted expertise in marine fuel treatment, Ms. Chaudhri will address the critical topic of “Understanding and Addressing Today's VLSFO Issues & the Role of Additives to Minimise the Environmental Impact.”


This session is timely and crucial as the maritime industry grapples with the complexities of adopting Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) to meet international regulations.


Ms. Chaudhri’s insights will focus on the operational challenges VLSFO presents and how additives can play a transformative role in optimising fuel performance and mitigating environmental impacts.


Zoom Meeting Details

Join Zoom Meeting: Click here

Meeting ID: 869 8852 8167

Passcode: DMET



VLSFO: A Solution with Challenges

The shift towards VLSFO, spurred by the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) sulfur cap regulations, has revolutionised marine fuel usage. VLSFO, with its reduced sulfur content, is designed to help ships meet the global limit of 0.50% sulfur in fuel.


However, VLSFO is not without its operational and environmental challenges, and these will be the focus of Ms. Chaudhri's talk. Some of the critical issues include:

  1. Fuel Stability and Compatibility: VLSFO is often a blend of different fuel components, which can lead to fuel instability. When unstable, fuel separates into heavy and light components, creating problems for onboard storage and engine operation. Additionally, when incompatible VLSFO fuels are mixed, it can result in sludge formation, clogging filters and fuel lines, leading to operational inefficiencies.

  2. Combustion and Engine Performance: Due to its varied composition, VLSFO can sometimes lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in higher fuel consumption and increased particulate matter (PM) emissions, which negates its intended environmental benefits.

  3. Cold Flow Properties: VLSFO can solidify at low temperatures, especially in colder climates, leading to difficulties in pumping the fuel and potentially causing blockages in fuel lines.

  4. Lubricity Issues: With reduced sulfur, VLSFO lacks natural lubrication, which can increase wear and tear on critical engine components, necessitating frequent maintenance.

The Role of Additives in Optimising VLSFO

Addressing these challenges is where fuel additives come into play. Ms. Chaudhri, through her extensive work with Innospec Limited and their Octamar brand, will shed light on how additives can significantly enhance the performance and environmental profile of VLSFO.

  1. Stability Improvers: Additives that improve fuel stability prevent phase separation in VLSFO, ensuring that the fuel remains homogeneous and reducing the risk of sludge formation.

  2. Combustion Enhancers: To combat inefficient combustion, additives can be introduced to promote a more complete fuel burn, thereby reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.

  3. Cold Flow Improvers: These additives lower the pour point of VLSFO, keeping it fluid even at low temperatures, which is essential for vessels operating in colder regions.

  4. Lubricity Additives: To compensate for the reduced sulfur content, lubricity additives provide necessary lubrication to the engine, preventing excessive wear and ensuring smooth operations.

  5. Environmental Additives: Specialised additives can reduce harmful emissions, including particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx), further contributing to the environmental goals of the maritime industry.

Ms. Ritu Chaudhri: A Trailblazer in Marine Fuel Treatment

Ms. Ritu Chaudhri’s journey in the marine fuel industry is nothing short of inspiring. A graduate with an MBA from the University of Connecticut, USA, Ms. Chaudhri returned to India in 1990 and embarked on a career that would eventually lead her to establish Enmarol Petroleum India Private Limited in 1996. Under her leadership, Enmarol became the first private company to import fuel oil and white kerosene into India’s largest seaport, JNPT Nhava Sheva.

In 2002, she introduced the concept of Fuel Treatment Chemical Additives in India for the after-market, a move that has since revolutionised fuel performance across various sectors, particularly marine.


Since 2006, Enmarol has been the authorised distributor for Innospec Limited (UK), a global leader in fuel treatment technology, listed on NASDAQ with a turnover of $2 billion.


Through this partnership, Ms. Chaudhri brought Octamar Marine Fuel Treatment Chemicals to India, focusing on helping shipowners and managers optimise fuel use while addressing environmental challenges.

With over 15 years of experience in marine bunkers and fuel treatment, Ms. Chaudhri has consistently provided solutions to major shipowners and managers across India.

She has effectively communicated how additives like Octamar can address operational issues, particularly with today's marine fuels such as VLSFO, HSFO, LSMGO, and Biofuels.

Enmarol and Innospec: Pioneering Fuel Treatment Solutions

Under Ms. Chaudhri’s leadership, Enmarol has expanded its footprint by supplying Octamar Marine Fuel Treatment Chemicals, manufactured by Innospec at their European facilities, to ships across India and international ports. With 21 strategically located warehouses around the globe, Enmarol ensures timely and efficient delivery of fuel additives to its maritime customers.

Innospec is at the forefront of developing innovative fuel treatment technologies designed to meet the challenges of a changing world. Their extensive expertise in improving fuel performance across industries—including refinery, automotive, and power—has positioned them as a leader in marine fuel solutions.


Their products help vessels meet the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings and the European Union’s Emission Trading System (EU ETS) targets, thanks to their cutting-edge Combustion Catalyst technology that improves fuel efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

A Legacy Rooted in Maritime Excellence

Ms. Ritu Chaudhri hails from a family of merchant mariners, a background that has fueled her passion for excellence in the marine industry.


Her relentless dedication and innovative mindset have made her a formidable force in the business world, proving that leadership, vision, and a commitment to sustainability can drive impactful change.

A Must-Attend Session for Maritime Professionals

The upcoming session at Dmet Club’s Sunday Citadel, with Ms. Ritu Chaudhri, promises to be a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by VLSFO. With her extensive background in marine fuel treatment, Ms. Chaudhri will offer valuable insights into how additives can optimise fuel performance, improve environmental compliance, and ensure smoother vessel operations in today’s regulatory landscape.

Maritime professionals, shipowners, and operators looking to stay ahead of the curve in sustainable fuel solutions should not miss this insightful session, which will provide the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern marine fuels.


Zoom Meeting Details

Join Zoom Meeting: Click here

Meeting ID: 869 8852 8167

Passcode: DMET


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