Why MGO management matters more than ever in the growing ECAs

As emissions regulations continue to tighten across the maritime industry, IMO has extended the ECA (Emission Control Area) designation to the Norwegian Sea and Canadian Arctic, effective from 1^st March 2026, and potentially the North-East Atlantic Ocean, with specific compliance timelines and requirements.

Traditionally, vessels operating on heavy fuel oil (HFO) or very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) benefit from relatively stable fuel conditions. However, operating in and out of ECAs requires frequent switching between fuel types typically from HFO/VLSFO to MGO. This change introduces greater sensitivity across the fuel system, exposing the fuel system to faster swings in viscosity and temperature, increasing sensitivity to fuel cleanliness, water management, lubricity margin, microbial contamination, cold-flow behavior, and deposit control.

Key challenges when operating on MGO

A structured approach to MGO management

As operating conditions become more complex, fuel should no longer be treated as a passive consumable. Instead, it should be actively managed as a critical input to engine reliability. Wilhelmsen Ships Service offers a comprehensive approach to maintaining fuel integrity across the entire fuel lifecycle from bunkering and storage to transfer and injection.

This ensures stable quality in tanks, controlled water contamination, adequate lubrication margin, acceptable cold operability, and minimized deposit formation. Rather than relying on a single treatment approach, a structured additive programme allows operators to address specific risks associated with MGO and bio-MGO. The Unitor DieselPower Series enables a modular program where each additive is selected based on a specific risk mechanism to mitigate operational challenges onboard

• DieselPower Enhancer (baseline conditioning) supports overall fuel conditioning by improving oxidation stability, reducing sludge formation, and enhancing lubricity for standard MGO operations. Extended storage onboard for 3 months over*
• DieselPower BioEnhancer (baseline conditioning) is designed for biofuel blends, helping maintain fuel stability, improve cleanliness, and protect against corrosion in Bio-MGO applications. Extended storage onboard for 3 months over*
• DieselPower Lubricity (hardware protection) improves the lubrication properties of low-viscosity fuels, helping to protect fuel pumps and injectors from wear. 34% lubrication improvement, certified by LR Product Verification Scheme*
• DieselPower CFPP (cold operability) enhances cold flow properties, reducing the risk of wax formation and filter blockages in low-temperature conditions. Average 10~15 CFPP reduction at optimal dosage, certified by LR Product Verification Scheme*
• DieselPower BioControl (microbial control) addresses microbial contamination by preventing and eliminating bacterial growth in fuel systems. Highly effective biocide certified by LR Product Verification Scheme*
• Unitor^TM Bacterial Single Test Kit: User-friendly onboard test kit for bacterial contamination for timely corrective action

*Based on independent 3^rd party lab trial test and report

If your fleet is increasing MGO running hours due to expanding ECA coverage, now is the time to take a more structured approach to fuel management. By adopting a structured approach to MGO management, you can reduce operational risk, extend equipment life, and improve overall efficiency while remaining compliant with evolving environmental standards.