Established in 1833 Svitzer provides its customers with business-critical and safe towage services and maritime solutions. Through a fleet of 430 vessels, they are present in more than 30 countries and operate in 140+ ports and 25+ oil and gas terminals globally. Svitzer play a vital role in the safety and reliability of port operations around the globe, providing appropriate tugs and best trained crews to local ports ensuring swift vessel handling.

Marlin Environmental have been proudly working with Svitzer, supporting fleet maintenance for several years. With Svitzer’s goal of going climate-neutral by 2040 they have invested in new vessels running solely on sustainable fuel solutions. As part of this transition Marlin Environmental has undertaken maintenance tasks on the ‘London’ tug which is run solely on biofuel. After routine fuel sampling, Svitzer established a number of fuel tanks contained contaminated fuel (a common occurrence with all fuel types) being a diligent company, Svitzer wanted to ensure they carried out a full system flush to ensure a fully clear system with maximum capabilities.

As with a traditional fuel system Marlin Environmental undertook tank cleaning, fuel system flushing and fuel polishing. Our expert engineering teams pumped the out of specification biofuel from the tanks, running the fuel via its state-of-the-art fuel polishing technology. Marlin’s polishing system filters particulate contamination, all free water and suspended water to within specification, at a velocity that makes it economically viable as an alternative to disposal. By undertaking this sustainable route, you ensure waste is kept to a minimum and costs are reduced. 

By undertaking regular fuel maintenance programmes such as this, it reduces potential for blocked filters, clogged fuel pumps, reduced engine efficiency and increased wear on the engine. All of which reduce vessel down time and ensure readiness for service.

To ensure the full fuel system was clear of contamination and a long term solution is maintained all the system pipework was flushed at velocity and sampled until it met required specifications. Tanks were cleaned with high pressure washing using our expert confined space team, with any waste uplifted to our vacuum tanker and responsibly disposed at our waste treatment and recycling facility. Tanks were then treated with biocide to prevent any future microbial growth, the now clean fuel was returned to the treated tanks, and the system tested before being returned to the customer.

The job was undertaken dockside as the customers specified location by Marlin’s technical team and completed ahead of the quoted schedule, allowing a faster return to service.

Marlin Environmental carry out a range of Engineering, Maintenance, Environmental Cleaning in addition to Health & Safety Training and Confined Space Services. To discuss your requirements, you can get in touch with our Technical Project Manager, Mark Davey at mark.davey@marlinsvs.co.uk