Arctic Council Working Group

Best Practice Fuel Blending for Arctic Conditions

This project is based on two key findings from the “New Low Sulphur Fuels - Fate and Behaviour in Cold Water Conditions” (2019-2025) report. The aim of this project is to improve oil spill response preparedness in Arctic waters. The project will aim at increasing the understanding of low-sulphur fuels, particularly regarding the significant variations in their properties.

The findings will provide important knowledge and input for discussions within the IMO regarding the potential introduction of an Arctic fuel standard, which takes a holistic approach on oil spill preparedness and climate considerations. The project will address two interrelated research questions:

  1. Investigating the impact of adding various types and amounts of biodiesel to low-sulphur fuels of different qualities and types.
  2. Examining the effects of adding “cutter stock” and “additives” in varying amounts to different types of low-sulphur fuels.

Main activities:
This project aims to fund a preliminary project, to clearly define the main activities, establish collaboration between the different Arctic States, and define which Arctic States will be responsible for specific work packages (trough in-kind contributions). Selected industry experts will be invited to participate in a reference group to provide input and expertise. Preliminary Study Objectives and Activities (2025) will focus on the following key activities:

  1. Developing the project proposal, including a detailed scope of work and definition of the various work packages. It will also identify the Arctic States responsible for each work package and establish a funding plan, including inkind contributions.
  2. Hosting a workshop where industry representatives will be invited to discuss the project plan and clarify participation in the main project.
  3. Defining fuel types, fuel quality parameters, the number of fuel samples, and required sample volumes to be collected from different producers. A plan will also be developed for fuel sample collection with industry support.

The main project is scheduled for 2026 and 2027.