Bourbon tested TotalEnergies’ fuel additive Excellium Pro Concentrate on three of its surfer crewboats in Angola (source: Bourbon)
20 May 2025by Martyn Wingrove
A French energy major and vessel owner are planning to increase the use of an engine-cleaning fuel additive to lower emissions from offshore logistics
Bourbon and TotalEnergies are planning to use a fuel additive on more offshore support vessels after successful tests in Angola demonstrated savings and lower emissions, with fuel consumption reduced by 3%-5% on support vessels trialling the new fuel additive. Testing was carried out over five months of operations, which was thought to be a sufficiently long period to gain meaningful results.
Bourbon tested TotalEnergies multifunctional additive Excellium Pro Concentrate on a platform supply vessel (PSV) and three surfer crew boats.
“Reducing the overall fuel consumption of the fleet of ships operated by 3%-5% can result in a significant overall gain in terms of CO2 emissions,” said TotalEnergies E&P Angola technical director Christophe Cattin. “The question of implementation in all E&P maritime activities is therefore now on the agenda, following the pilot test carried out in Angola,” he said, while thanking Bourbon for supporting its decarbonisation efforts through trials on its fleet.
Tests with Excellium Pro Concentrate fuel additive involved monitoring fuel consumption on these vessels and comparing it with two years of historical data during different operational profiles, including transits and in port, with various speeds. “We did not just look at the most favourable test conditions,” said Mr Cattin.
“In addition to the fuel savings, all the Bourbon crews noted some improvement in the quality of the fuel.” This includes fewer clogged filters and less contamination.
The trial also involved testing the supply chain so this fuel additive was available at logistics bases these vessels used in Angola.
Excellium Pro Concentrate has been tested in sustainable fuels used by diesel engines, such as biodiesel and hydrogenated vegetable oil, according to TotalEnergies fuel additives specialist Bernard Dequenne.
“Excellium Pro Concentrate is particularly beneficial, mainly for the engine protection benefits, such as anti-corrosion, anti-wear, antioxidant and reduction of injector deposits,” said Mr Dequenne.
“It has been fully tested with biodiesel and HVO, making it easier for users to switch to these alternative fuels and thus decarbonise their operations,” he added. “A new collaboration with Bourbon in this area could even be considered, to further advance our shared ambition of reducing our carbon footprint.”
Bourbon and TotalEnergies described the trial with Excellium Pro Concentrate and future plans in Bourbon’s in-house quarterly magazine: PartnerSHIP
Riviera’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Asia 2025, the largest forum for vessel owners, designers, shipbuilders, charterers and suppliers within the OSV sector in Asia, returns to Singapore on 9-10 September 2025. Use this link to register your interest in attending this premier event.
link