Things to Know About Marine Gas Oil
If you’re planning to own a boat, you’re probably wondering how marine gas oil can benefit you. This type of fuel is made from lighter distillates used in engines and auxiliary units on ships. It can be costly, though. Marine gas oil costs about double as much compared to heavy fuel oil. Fortunately, you can do a few things to avoid paying more than you have to.
Low-sulfur:
One of the first things to know about marine gas oil is its low sulfur. It’s important to choose fuel with a low cetane index because this will affect the ignition quality in diesel engines. High-cetane marine fuel is also recommended for engines with higher RPMs, most common on commercial vessels. Because of its low-cloud point, marine gas oil must be stored in drums. It also has a low flashpoint. Because it’s so low in viscosity, it has to be stored in drums. This is important because the fuel pumps on these vessels are designed to operate with minimum viscosity, and low viscosity means they need to be heated during storage.
Know how long does it take to degrade?
Another thing to know about marine gas oil is how long it takes to degrade. In the ocean, this fuel starts to deteriorate within 15 days. If you’re planning to use marine gas oil on a cruise ship, you’ll need to store it in drums. It will last for about fifteen days if it’s not properly preserved. Alternatively, you can buy it at a convenience store or online.
More expensive than heavy fuel oil:
The first thing to know about marine gas oil is that it is more expensive than heavy fuel oil. However, this does not mean that it’s not worth it. While MGO is much more expensive than HFO, it’s also much safer for the environment. A high-cetane index is essential for marine engines, especially diesel ones. For this reason, it is better to use a fuel with a high cetane number.
It is a cleaner and cheaper fuel:
Unlike diesel, marine gas oil has many advantages. It is a cleaner and cheaper fuel. The only disadvantage is that it isn’t as strong as diesel, and it’s not as odorless as diesel. It can also deteriorate in a matter of 15 days. It is advisable to use a different fuel if you’re unsure what type to buy.
