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The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Fuelling the aviation industry
The aviation industry, a cornerstone of globalisation and modern transportation, relies heavily on one vital resource: aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Primarily derived from crude oil, ATF is a specialised kerosene refined to meet stringent quality and safety standards. With more than 100,000 flights taking off and landing around the world each day, understanding what fuels this immense operation—and where that fuel comes from—is critical. What is Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)? Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), widely recognised as jet fuel, is an essential high-performance fuel for aircraft gas-turbine engines. The two primary types are Jet A and Jet A-1, with Jet A-1 being the global standard due to its exceptional cold-weather performance. These fuels, which range in colour from clear to straw-coloured, are rigorously tested to meet international standards set by leading organisations such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and DEF STAN (the UK Ministry of Defence Standard). Formulated with advanced additives, jet fuel effectively prevents static discharge, corrosion, and microbial growth, ensuring safety and reliability even in the most demanding conditions at 35,000 feet. How is ATF produced? ATF is formed during the refining of crude oil. The process starts in petroleum refineries, where crude oil is distilled into various fractions. One of these fractions is kerosene, which is then hydrotreated to remove impurities like sulphur. The resulting jet fuel is blended to meet performance requirements. Refineries all over the world customise their output to include ATF, particularly those located near major airports or transportation hubs. Transportation from refinery to wingtip involves pipelines, ships, railcars and fuel trucks. Major fuel hubs near airports contain large tank farms that store and distribute ATF via hydrant systems on the tarmac. Global sources of ATF The demand for ATF is concentrated in countries with large aviation sectors, and these nations often maintain robust refining capacities to ensure fuel availability. However, not all aviation hubs produce their jet fuel; many rely on imports. Some of the key players in global ATF production and distribution are: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): The Future of Jet Fuel? As the world shifts toward sustainability, the aviation industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Enter Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a bio-based alternative to traditional jet fuel. Made from feedstocks like used cooking oil, plant waste, and even captured CO₂, SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. Airlines like KLM, Lufthansa, and Delta have already begun incorporating SAF into their fuel mix. However, challenges such as high production costs, limited feedstock availability, and infrastructure compatibility hinder widespread adoption. Still, governments and industry players are investing heavily in SAF development, with ambitious targets set for 2030 and beyond. The aviation industry's reliance on aviation turbine fuel makes it one of the most energy-intensive sectors in the world. From the deserts of the Middle East to the refineries of the U.S. and the biofuel labs of Europe, the journey of ATF is complex and global. While traditional ATF continues to power the majority of aircraft, the rise of sustainable aviation fuels points to a cleaner, greener future. Ultimately, what fuels aviation is more than just kerosene — it's a vast web of global supply chains, innovation, and a shared commitment to keeping the world connected through flight.
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Petronas Dagangan to branch out offerings, explore low-carbon solutions
KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PetDagang) plans to diversify its offerings and explore low-carbon solutions, aligning with the broader goals of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). The company will also sharpen its focus on long-term shifts in consumer behaviour, including increased mobility, evolving and more transient commuter patterns, as well as the growing demand for convenient lifestyle. For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024, PetDagang reached its highest-ever sales volume of 16.8 billion litres, reinforcing its market leadership in both retail and commercial segments. Revenue for the year totalled RM37.95 billion, driven by higher sales volumes, particularly from Mogas and Jet A-1, despite a lower average selling price. Operating profit increased by 15 per cent to RM1.55 billion, supported by higher gross profit across all segments. This was partly offset by increased expenditure linked to business growth. Its pre-tax profit improved 15 per cent to RM1.53 billion, while net profit rose to a post-pandemic record of RM1.12 billion, marking the first time the company surpassed the RM1 billion mark since the pandemic. PetDagang managing director and chief executive officer Azrul Osman Rani said the past year served as a reminder that staying grounded in its purpose, customers and execution is what drives the company forward. "As needs evolve and the landscape shifts, we are moving with focus and intent, while staying true to what makes us different - the ability to create simpler, better experiences in everyday life," he said in a statement in conjunction with the company's 43rd annual general meeting (AGM) here today. PetDagang delivered a solid performance across its business segments, achieving key milestones in both financial and operational outcomes. In its retail business, the company achieved its highest-ever sales volume while continuing to enhance customer experience and safety across the network. The commercial business recorded strong growth by maximising returns from high-value segments, with volume increasing by nine percent in aviation and 19 percent in diesel. The LPG business reaffirmed its position as Malaysia's leading LPG retailer, achieving its highest volume since 2016 and securing over 50 new commercial customers during the year. In the lubricants business, PetDagang reinforced its market leadership through strong partnerships and posted a nine per cent volume growth, surpassing industry benchmarks. Mesra Retail and Café Sdn Bhd (Mesra) maintained its momentum as a retail and lifestyle hub, with chargeable sales reaching a record high for the third consecutive year. Setel achieved an all-time high in gross merchandise value, continuing to deliver a seamless and rewarding customer experience.
The Guardian
12-03-2025
- The Guardian
North Sea collision: foul play, technical fault or human error?
The collision between two large shipping vessels in the North Sea raises significant questions about how such an event could occur – and what its effect might be. Here we set out what we know so far. A US-chartered oil tanker, Stena Immaculate, was anchored in the North Sea about 13 miles off the coast of Yorkshire, when it was struck by a container ship, the Solong, just before 10am UK time on Monday. The Solong was travelling at a speed of 16 knots when it collided with the tanker, causing a 'massive fireball' as both vessels scrambled to evacuate. The Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks, according to the US maritime firm Crowley, which manages the tanker. At least one cargo tank carrying Jet A-1 fuel was ruptured and leaked into the North Sea, it said. The Solong was initially reported to have been carrying containers of the highly toxic chemical sodium cyanide – but the vessel's owner, the German firm Ernst Russ, later said none of the toxin was on board. The Solong's master, a 59-year-old Russian national, was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, as Humberside police began a criminal investigation. His nationality was confirmed by Ernst Russ, which said the Solong's crew were a mix of Russians and Filipinos. The main focus of the investigations is how two modern ships, fitted with advanced radar technology, could collide in seemingly calm weather conditions. A White House official reportedly told a US news outlet that it was unable to rule out foul play, amplifying speculation that the Stena Immaculate may have been targeted deliberately as it was carrying cargo for the US military. This theory was downplayed by the UK on Tuesday, as initial investigations have found no evidence to suggest such a motive. The UK transport minister Mike Kane told MPs it was clear 'something did go terribly wrong' but added: 'Whether there was a foul play I think is speculation. There is no evidence to suggest that at the moment.' Maritime traffic data showed the Solong travelling directly towards the Stena Immaculate without changing course before the vessels collided. Andy Teasdale, a marine safety adviser to the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, said the tracking data showed 'something was potentially amiss' on the Solong, which was sailing under a Portuguese flag. Central to understanding this would be recovering the voyage data recorders from both vessels. Often referred to as the shipping equivalent of an aeroplane's 'black box', VDRs hold data on a vessel's speed, depth under keel, radio communications, bridge audio and radar data. Teasdale said all those rescued would be interviewed and given precautionary drug and alcohol tests. Dr Seyedvahid Vakili, of the University of Southampton, said at this stage it was 'difficult to determine the main cause of the collision' but that in most cases 'human factors play a significant role'. Jin Wang, a professor of marine technology at Liverpool John Moores University, said human error was likely to have 'played a significant role', adding: 'It seems improbable that all of the factors leading to the collision of this nature could have occurred simultaneously without human error.' One theory is that the Stena Immaculate may have been 'radar silent' at the time for security reasons given its sensitive cargo, said Tiago Alves, a professor at Cardiff University's School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. This would have made it undetectable on the screens of nearby vessels, which may not have triggered the appropriate alarms on the Solong. However, it would have been visible to the naked eye from a distance. Alves said: 'The oil tanker was seemingly under a military mission and might have been found, unexpectedly, anchored in an area that is not common for ships to moor. The tanker is now visible on [a ship tracking website], but it may have also been radar silent at the time of the collision for security reasons. Only a thorough investigation will reach a final conclusion on what happened.' Another theory is that the Solong's autopilot function failed. Martyn Boyers, the chief executive of the port of Grimsby East, near the site of the collision, said he suspected the Solong had been on autopilot: 'If it's been put on autopilot and there's no one on the bridge, which could happen, then it'd just go straight on.' Jet fuels are toxic to marine life, said the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 'Aquatic organisms that come in direct contact with naturally dispersed and entrained jet fuel in the water column may be killed.' However, experts were optimistic that the highly volatile fuel spilled on Monday would have burned or evaporated quickly. Bacteria may also degrade the relatively small hydrocarbons found in the fuel, according to Mark Sephton, professor of organic geochemistry at Imperial College London. The thicker bunker oil used to power the ships could be more problematic. Persistent oils such as marine diesel can smother marine habitats, affecting the ability of wildlife to regulate their body temperature, which could kill them, said Dr Alex Lukyanov, of the University of Reading. The ships collided just east of the Yorkshire coast and Humber estuary, an ecosystem of 'immense biological, cultural and economic importance' said Dr Tom Webb, a lecturer in marine ecology at the University of Sheffield. 'Wading birds and waterfowl gather in large numbers as they move between wintering and breeding grounds, while soon Yorkshire's iconic seabirds will be coming inshore to breed at sites like the world famous Brampton cliffs,' Webb said. Marine protected areas on the coast close to the collision site include Flamborough Head and Holderness offshore marine conservation zone – rich habitats supporting marine wildlife, including fish, bivalves, crabs and birds. Farther out to sea is the Southern North Sea special area of conservation, important for harbour porpoises. Dr Leslie Mabon, a senior lecturer in environmental systems at the Open University, said: 'It's close to nesting season, so puffins, gannets, kittiwakes among others could be flying around the area and could be exposed to oil or petrol. Similarly, there are dolphins and seals. 'This is also a rich fishing environment, with the Grimsby fishing port nearby, and there could be economic consequences if fishing has to be stopped or scaled back.'
The Independent
11-03-2025
- The Independent
Cargo ship captain arrested after oil tanker collision in North Sea as experts warn coming hours are ‘critical'
The captain of a cargo vessel has been arrested after a collision with an oil tanker off the East Yorkshire coast, as experts warn the coming hours will be 'critical' in determining environmental impact of the crash. Owners of the Solong container ship confirmed its captain had been arrested, hours after Humberside Police said it had arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following the collision between the Portuguese vessel and US tanker Stena Immaculate. One crew member from the Solong is still missing and presumed dead, after a search and rescue operation was ended on Monday evening. Transport minister Mike Kane told MPs on Tuesday that the Solong 'continues to burn' at sea and said something went 'terribly wrong' for the crash to happen and there was 'no evidence' of foul play. Both vessels were engulfed in flames when the Stena Immaculate was struck by the Solong while anchored off the coast of Hull, causing 'multiple explosions' on board and an unknown quantity of Jet A-1 fuel to be released. There were concerns that the Solong was carrying containers of sodium cyanide on board, however this was later confirmed to not be the case. The transport secretary also said on Tuesday that it was now expected to stay afloat, after previous concerns that the vessel would sink. The incident has sparked anxiety from experts about the environmental impacts on wildlife and coastal communities - with the next 24 hours expected to be crucial in determining the extent of the damage. 'The next couple of hours will be critical in terms of can they stabilise the cargo vessel,' Dr Simon Boxall, an academic in oceanography at the University of Southampton, told The Independent. 'I understand the cargo ship is still burning and in danger of sinking. The big concern for the is knowing what is in those containers. The second problem is the bunker oil which powers the ship itself which can cause damage.' 'They will be doing their best to stabilise the Solong and get it to a stage where they can get it to a sandbank or take it in to the coast so they can then deal with the containers and the fuel on board itself.' He added that industries in the area will likely be impacted by the environmental damage the leaks have caused - with fishing bans potentially having to be put in place due to the waters now being contaminated. He said: 'It's going to have a big impact on fisheries, assuming there will be fishing ban put in for a short while until they can determine the level of pollution in the water.' Skipper owner Neil Robson, 63, who runs family-business Genesis Fishing Ltd, was on board his boat Genesis on Monday when a message came over the radio of the major collision. He told The Independent: 'There was a lot of panic and worry. When you hear something like this has happened you fear the worse. You worry for those out there at sea and hope they got out safe. 'You then worry that we are a facing a situation where we are all going to be looking for new jobs.' He added: "At the moment there is a five mile evacuation zone around the collision site, so not sure when we will be allowed back out, but we are hoping it will be tomorrow." Local wildlife trusts have raised concerns about the impact of any pollution from the two vessels on an array of species, including tens of thousands of birds and grey seals in the area. Crowley, the maritime company managing Stena Immaculate, said the vessel was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks, at least one of which 'was ruptured' when it was struck. Jonathon Leadley, North Yorkshire regional manager for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, told The Independent that the Humber Estuary is a 'critically important site for wildlife'. He warned that birds who come from as far as Siberia and Iceland could be facing food shortages as fish near the collision site are affected by pollutants. 'Heavy fuel can directly impact birds who sit on the water as their feathers can be weighed down by oil and then if it spreads it can damage their food supply,' he said. He added that the site is like a 'service station on a motorway' for many birds migrating to different areas, which may now be short on supplies as they stop to refuel for their long journeys. HM Coastguard said in a statement its counter pollution and salvage team is 'developing a plan ready for implementation as soon as the situation allows'. It added that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed that air quality at ground level is 'currently within normal levels for the weather conditions', and the UK Health Security Agency has advised that any public health risk on shore is 'currently deemed to be very low'.
Al Etihad
11-03-2025
- Al Etihad
North Sea crash vessel expected to sink as manslaughter arrest made in UK
11 Mar 2025 21:01 London (PA Media/dpa)A burning cargo ship which crashed in the North Sea is expected to sink, and a missing sailor is presumed dead, a UK government minister said on Tuesday. A 59-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after the collision between the cargo vessel and a tanker, Humberside Police vessel Solong is drifting after the crash with US tanker Stena Immaculate off the east coast of the English county of Yorkshire on minister Mike Kane told the UK parliament that Solong "continues to burn" and the coastguard has said "it is unlikely the vessel will remain afloat."He added that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is "working at pace to determine exactly what cargo the Solong is carrying."Kane said the "working assumption" is one crew member from the container ship has died, after a search and rescue operation was ended on Monday when "the chances of their survival had unfortunately significantly diminished."The Government "will do everything to recover the body of the mariner," he said something went "terribly wrong" for the crash to happen, and there is "no evidence" of foul play. There were fears Solong was carrying sodium cyanide, but shipping company Ernst Russ, which manages the vessel, said that was not the empty containers on board that "previously contained the hazardous chemical" will "continue to be monitored," it added. Aerial images from the scene show three tugboats are alongside Solong, and at least one attached to it. Smoke is continuing to billow from the ship. The Solong was clearly visible from the coast on Tuesday. A small group of people gathered in the Lincolnshire village of Saltfleet to see the stricken vessel drifting near the area is famous for its seal colonies and people living along the coastline said they were getting increasingly concerned about the consequences of the fuel leak into the sea. Crowley, the maritime company managing Stena Immaculate, said the vessel was struck by Solong while anchored off the coast of Hull, causing "multiple explosions" on board and an unknown quantity of Jet A-1 fuel to be firm said Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks, at least one of which "was ruptured" when it was tanker was operating as part of the US government's tanker security programme, a group of commercial vessels that can be contracted to carry fuel for the military when needed. It had been anchored while waiting for a berth to become available at the Port of Killingholme, on the River Humber, Crowley said. CBS News in the US reported that an American man who said he was among the crew on Stena Immaculate described how Solong "came from out of the blue" and it appeared no-one was on its bridge when the crash happened. Ship tracking website VesselFinder shows the tanker had departed from a port in the Peloponnese region of Greece and was heading towards Hull, while Solong was sailing to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
