LFO – HFO fuel oil conversions

Eefting Engineering

Considerations and actions to be taken for engine room

conversions from MDO or MGO operation to HFO operation
Eefting Engineering B.V.
Eefting Engineering B.V.

General

In this paper information is given to review the

possibilities of converting ocean going vessels form
MDO or MGO to HFO operation. Fuel oil prices have
doubled the last few years and the price difference
between MDO and HFO (180 or 380) has even
tripled.
Because more and more new buildings , especially
in the range of 3.000 -6.000 GT are now delivered
ready for Heavy Fuel Oil operation, existing vessels
running on MDO will become less competitive or in
the worst case might not be profitable any more.

Further more an increasing interest is shown by

owners of fishing vessels to convert their vessels to
HFO operation. It seems that for a lot of fisherman
heavy fuel oil operation is not only more profitable
then MDO operation, but even a matter of survival.

In this paper you will find a calculation on savings for

a specific 2.000 kW installation, a short introduction
on Eefting Engineering and a short description of
changes and equipment necessary to convert the
vessels from MDO to HFO
At the end there is an article on conversions in
regards of the Intertanko statement that all vessels
should run on MDO.

The final purpose of this brochure of course being to

interest you for having us executing such
conversion(s) on one of your vessels.

If you have any question feel free to contact us.

Eefting Engineering B.V.

Albert Plesmanlaan 24
9615TH Kolham
The Netherlands
T +31 598 395 458
F +31 598 395 485
info@eeftingengineering.nl

m.v. Morgenstond II
m.v. Morgenstond III
Converted from MDO to IFO180
Shipowner: Drent beheer
Eefting Engineering B.V.

Calculation FO costs Due to the lower calorific value of HFO and

increased electrical power requirements for an HFO
In this sheet you will find calculation of the yearly installation as sludge which cannot be burned, the
fuel oil costs base don the following data: fuel oil consumption on HFO will be +/- 5% higher,
so will rise to 8,8 ton per day.
Technical data
At 250 sailing days yearly costs of HFO180 will be:
Main Engine 2.000 kW
specific fuel oil consumption 195 gr / kWh K = Q x f180 x 220

FO prices K = 8,8 x 335,- x 250

(in dollars, source www.bunkerworld.com , dd 30th of
October 2007, location Rotterdam) K = € 741.707,- per year

MGO 765 $ / ton = 531 € / ton

MDO 686 $ / ton = 476 € / ton
HFO180 483 $ / ton = 335 € / ton
HFO380 463 $ / ton = 322 € / ton
Exchange
rate 1,44 $/€

Current FO consumption

Q = P90 x be x 24

In which
P90 = engine power 90% MCR
be = specific fuel oil consumption m.v. Pex
Q = 8,4 ton / day m.v. Pasadena
m.v. Perle
At 250 sailing days yearly costs of MDO will be: m.v. Peru
m.v. Tinsdale
K = Q x fmdo x 250 Converted from MDO to IFO180
Shipowner: Reederei Wessels GmbH
K = 8,4 x 476,- x 250

K = € 1.003.275,- per year

At 250 sailing days yearly costs of HFO380 will be

K = Q x f380 x 220

K = 8,8 x 332,- x 250

K = € 710.994,- per year

Increased operational costs

When sailing on HFO the operational costs will rise

due to shortened maintenance intervals and
increased sludge production

On average for a 2.000 kW installation the additional

costs per year will be € 20.000,-

(€ 10.000,- per installed MW)

m.v. Rose Marie, KW34
Converted from MDO to IFO380
Shipowner: Duyn Holding B.V.
Eefting Engineering B.V.

Introduction Eefting Engineering

Eefting Engineering is a dynamic company who is

specialised in the manufacturing & delivery of
components, systems and modules for shipbuilding,
shipping and power plant industry. In this we have
specialised in heavy fuel oil systems. Several
hundreds of ships are sailing world wide with our
installations. Service during contract and after
delivery is one of our main features. Our (project)
management is formed by former ships engineers
who have lots of experience in the field of heavy fuel
oil operation.
During conversions we provide the complete
installations from engineering and purchasing, via
m.v. Christina production modules and installation at shipyards to
m.v. Carina sea-trials, training and communication with class
m.v. Clarissa
m.v. Claudia
societies.
Converted from MDO to IFO40
Shipwoner: Wijnne & Barends Co-operating Yards

Normally we hire shipyards to perform the

installation for us. During complete conversion a
Savings surveyor of Eefting Engineering is present to check
the quality and quantity of the installation works.
So yearly savings for a 2.000 kW installation, Around 75% of our conversions are executed in
when changing from MDO to HFO will be Poland. Any other shipyard or company of your
approximate choice can also be hired.

€ 240.000,- for IFO180 Due to the intense co-operation in Poland the last
years, quick conversions and delivery dates as
Or agreed can be guaranteed.

€ 273.000,- for IFO380

Short term predictions

Predictions for FO prices for HFO380 are:

end 08 425 $ / ton

end 09 410 $ / ton

(source www.bunkerworld.com)

Assuming that the prices of MDO will change linear

with the raise & fall of the prices for HFO380, and
seeing that prices will not go down significantly in
the coming years, the savings will remain m.v. Flinterzee
approximately the same. m.v. Flinterhaven
m.v. Flintereems
m.v. Flintermaas
m.v. Flinterduin
m.v. Flinterdijk
m.v. Flinterspirit
Converted from MDO to IFO380
Shipowner: Flinter management B.V.
Eefting Engineering B.V.

Reference list

Here under you’ll find a list of turnkey conversion in which Eefting Engineering has been involved.

Shipyard /
Name of Vessel country Ship type Delivery
customer
m.v. Rose Marie, KW34 Duyn Holding B.V. NL Fishing trawler Oct 08
m.v. German Bay Reederei Wessels G Schelde Sept 08
m.v. Wotan Reederei Wessels G Schelde sept 07
m.v. Poet Reederei Wessels G Schelde Oct 07
m.v. Flinterhunze Flinter Groningen NL Tille Trader MP3300 June 07
m.v. Flinterlinge Flinter Groningen NL Tille Trader MP3300 July 07
m.v. Faust Reederei Wessels G Schelde May 07
m.v. Westgard Bore Shipowners FIN / NL Peters PCP200 oct 07
m.v. Sydgard Bore Shipowners FIN / NL Peters PCP200 sep 07
m.v. Ostgard Bore Shipowners FIN / NL Peters PCP200 aug 07
m.v. Peru Reederei Wessels G Sava/Rousse mini bulker April 07
m.v. Steffen Sibum Reederei B. Sibum G Schelde Jan 07
m.v. Hagen Reederei S. Bojen G Damen Combi freighter 4.900 jan 07
m.v. Deo Juvante, UK167 Gebr. Kramer NL fishing trawler july 06
m.v. Perle Reederei Wessels G Sava/Rousse mini bulker oct 06
m.v. German Sky Reederei Wessels G Schelde aug 06
m.v. Tinsdale Reederei Wessels G Sava/Rousse mini bulker july 06
m.v. Dependent Schalk Shipping NL Peters PCP200 july06
m.v. Helsinki Reederei S. Bojen G Damen Combi freighter 4.900 April 06
m.v. Pasadena Reederei Wessels G Sava/Rousse mini bulker March 06
m.v. Namai Wagenborg NL Ferus Smit 6.000t March 06
m.v. Pex Reederei Wessels G Sava/Rousse mini bulker Jan06
m.v. Transitorius Rederij Chr. Kornet NL Damen combi feighter 4.900 Jan06
m.v. Memel Reederei S. Bojen G Schelde Nov05
m.v. Flinterdijk Flinter Groningen NL Ferus Smit 6.000t May 04
m.v. Flinterspirit Flinter Groningen NL Ferus Smit 6.000t April 04
m.v. Morgenstond II Rederij Drent NL Ferus Smit 5.000t March 03
m.v. Flinterduin Rederij Flinter NL Ferus Smit 6.000t March 03
m.v. Morgenstond III Rederij Drent NL Ferus Smit 6.000t June 02
m.v. Clarissa Wijnne Barends NL HCC5000 Dec 01
m.v. Claudia Wijnne Barends NL HCC5000 Dec 01
m.v. Christina Wijnne Barends NL HCC5000 Dec 01
m.v. Carina Wijnne Barends NL HCC5000 Nov 01
m.v. Flintermaas Rederij Flinter NL Ferus Smit 6.000t Sept 01
m.v. Flintereems Rederij Flinter NL Ferus Smit 6.000t Sept 01
m.v. Flinterhaven Rederij Flinter NL Ferus Smit 6.000t Aug 01
m.v. Flinterzee Rederij Flinter NL Ferus Smit 6.000t Aug 01
m.v. Lengai Feederlines NL March 01
m.v. Tyr Feederlines NL March 01
Eefting Engineering B.V.
m.v. Deo Juvante, UK167
Converted form MDO to IFO180
Shipowner: Gebr. Kramer, Urk
The way we operate
First thing to do when a conversion is considered is
to find out with the engine manufacturer if the engine
is able to run on Heavy Fuel Oil. Every engine will
require some adjustments and also not all engine
types are suitable to run on heavy fuel oil. This
responsibility lies at the ship owner.
After a positive outcome the technical installation
has to be considered. This is where we come in.
First of all the following drawings have to be
submitted:
- Tank arrangement
- P&ID (diagrams) of cooling water, fuel oil,
lubricating oil heating systems etc
- Electrical load balance
m.v. Memel
m.v. Hagen
m.v. Helsinki
Converted from MDO to IFO180
Shipowner: Reederei S. Bojen.
At this stage we are able to find out possibilities and
write a plan for conversion as well as make a
quotation for the delivery of the new goods.
If this is found in order we will visit the vessel and
make an arrangement check where and how to
install the new equipment.
The previous procedure can be performed within 2-3
weeks
After this visit we can give a quotation if installation
will be performed at our preferred yard in Poland.
If required we can, with the ship owner, tender
specific yards of owners request.
If goods for conversion are to be ordered, a delivery
date of 22-30 weeks is valid, depending on the
availability of required goods.
A typical conversion at the yard will take 3-5 weeks
(power range 2- 5 MW).
System alterations
Changes to the main engine are under responsibility
ship owner
System changes involve in general the following
Changes in tank configuration
HFO booster module
LO / FO separators to be checked if necessary to be
changed
Adjustments in auxiliary power if necessary
transfer systems to be altered,
HFO transfer pump(s) to be installed
heating systems to be expanded / installed
changes to main switch board (power supplies)
changes / extension of alarm systems.
Services provided by Eefting Engineering
Engineering
Plan approval class society
delivery of all necessary goods
Hiring shipyard
Supervision during conversion
commissioning new delivered and installed systems
attendance during sea trials
Eefting Engineering B.V.

Budgets Project Duration

Prices for conversion can vary a great deal,
depending on the installation on board. However
due to our experience we can give some estimates,
shown in the diagram below. Variation – 10%
After signing order, a delivery date of 24-40
workweeks is valid, depending on the availability of
required goods.
Required time at the yard will be approximate 4
workweeks.

Investment x € 1.000,- Warranty

12 months after sea trials. or 18 months after
500 delivery equipment, which ever comes first.
labour & materials included,
450
travel time & expenses not included.
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
euro x 1.000

1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

pow er in kW

Not included

Adjusting main engine such as

- injectors
- self cleaning build on LO filter
- control valve air cooler
- exhaust valves
(normally to be performed by owner )

Shore power
Sludge & oil disposal
Other operational costs during conversion m.v. Ostgard
Coating & painting m.v. Westgard
m.v. Sydgard
Conversion from MDO to IFO380
Shipowner : Bore Shipowners
Eefting Engineering B.V.

The switch that Intertanko envisaged would have seen

the change occurring in the large ship sector but
Dutch-based Eefting Engineering believes that there
is a big cost benefit to be had from switching away
from MDO and running medium speed engines on
IFO 380. So far the company has installed new fuel
systems in several ships – mostly from the small size
dry cargo sector – and reckons that some owners are
saving up to $400,000 per year in fuel costs.

m.v. Dependent
converted from MDO to IFO380
Shipowners: Schalk Shipping

Considerations

Outline of an article from “Solutions”, edition march 2007.

Switch over savings for short-sea

When Intertanko proposed that all vessels should

switch from heavy fuels to using MDO as a way of
reducing SOx emissions the idea was not well
received by the shipping world in general. Intertanko’s
view that, as well as being a way to meet ever stricter
emission rules, the switch would put all ship-owners
on an even footing as regards fuel costs was never
likely to be a convincing argument for it would have
increased an owner’s biggest item of operating
expenditure by a huge margin.

For most owners the best answer to the SOx issue

would be removal or reduction of the sulphur content
of oil in the refineries. Not only would that resolve the
problem of ensuring sufficient supplies of low sulphur
fuel for all, it would also spare the expense of
installing SOx abatement equipment onboard
individual ships. Intertanko’s membership comes from
every sphere of tanker owning and so its members will
be operating engines of vastly different types. The
biggest ships will be equipped with low-speed two
strokes but further down the scale medium-speed
diesels will be in the majority.

m.v. Faust
m.v. Poet
m.v. Wotan
m.v. German Sky
Converted from MDO to HFO180
Shipowner: Reederei Wessels Gmbh
Eefting Engineering B.V.
Eefting Engineering is a relatively young company
specialising in auxiliary and processing equipment
for a range of industries including marine, power and
oil and gas. Harm Eefting MD and owner of Eefting
Engineering told Solutions that any ship currently
running on MDO and with a medium speed main
engine of 1,500kW or above is an ideal candidate for
conversion..
To date the company has carried out or has orders for
35 conversions and is currently taking on around a
dozen every year.
A typical conversion for a single engine ship would
take between two and four weeks. Slightly longer
perhaps than a scheduled drydocking but as Eefting
points out, drydocking is not essential for the work
which can be done alongside. He adds that the fuel
cost saving
can in some cases be sufficient motive for the owner
to decide to do the work between dry dockings.
Although Eefting refers to the work as a conversion, it
in fact involves adding in a whole new system for the
heavy oil while leaving the fuel treatment system for
the MDO intact albeit somewhat modified. The MDO
will still be useable for manoeuvring and when
environmental regulations such as SECAs demand.
Creating tank space for the heavy fuel, if there are
insufficient individual tanks already available, can
either be done by dividing some of the existing tanks
or by creating new fuel tanks in the ballast spaces. As
a minimum, Eefting recommends two storage tanks
and one settling tank for each type of fuel. There will
of course be alterations to the pipe work and transfer
system as well as a need to add heating elements to
the new heavy fuel tanks.
m.v. Flinterlinge
m.v. Flinterdijk
Converted from MDO to IFO380
Shipowner: Flinter management
m.v. Steffen Sibum
Converted from MDO to IFO180
Shipowner: Reederei Bernd Sibum
In the machinery spaces room will need to be found
for the booster module with associated pumps,
centrifuges and separators.
Most of the ships that Eefting has converted have
been Dutch flagged but in recent years German and
Finnish owners have also been regular customers. In
the main they have been typical European short sea
types built between 1997 and 2001 when it was
fashionable for such ships to be designed to run on
MDO which was then relatively inexpensive. Today
the price differential is around $200 per tonne with
MDO costing $466 and IFO380 just $263.
The trading pattern of short sea ships means that
they are only at sea for around two days in every
three so the potential for savings might be though
a little limited. Eefting calculates that, allowing for
the fact that slightly more IFO fuel will be consumed
than when run on MDO, annual savings of around
$138,000 per 1,000kW of main engine power is
possible.
The cost for a full conversion varies depending
on each ship’s own characteristics and ranges from
$200,000 to as much as $800,000 with an average of
around $478,000.
Clearly that is a major investment for an owner to
make on a small ship but those that have taken the
step have done so on ships that are between three
and six years old. Since European short sea vessels
regularly trade into their late 20s and beyond, the
owners of converted vessels can expect around 20
years of savings making the switch a very attractive
proposition. s
Eefting Engineering B.V.

New HFO equipment installed on m.v. “Pasadena” from

Reederei Wessels
www.eeftingengineering.nl
Contact

If you are interested and

would like to know more about
our HFO conversions or
any (heavy) fuel related
problem, please contact us.
We will be more then happy to
supply you with any required
information.

Eefting Engineering
Albert Plesmanlaan 24
9601 TH Kolham
The Netherlands

T +31 (0)598 395 458

F +31 (0)598 395 485
e-mail info@eeftingengineering.nl

Eefting Engineering Vietnam

No65/254 Van Cao street,
Hai Phong
Vietnam

T +84 (0)31 3733466

F +84 (0)31 3733776.