Grotamar and other biocides, which are intended to prevent the development of so-called diesel pest in fuel, may no longer be sold to private customers from 1 December this year. This is due to an amendment to the EU Chemicals Regulation, also known as the REACH Regulation, which regulates the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals in the EU. This amendment comes into force on 1 December 2018 and prohibits the sale of MBO, one of the active ingredients in additives such as Grotamar. The reason for this is the possible carcinogenic effect of the formaldehyde releaser MBO.
Schülke, the manufacturer of Grotamar, states that shipyards and boat refuelling stations can still offer the additive and add it directly to the customer's tank. The new regulation only restricts the supply to private customers. There is currently no alternative to Grotamar with MBO.
Sailors in particular usually consume very little diesel. Long periods of storage can lead to the formation of organisms in the fuel that clog filters and injection nozzles. This diesel plague occurs preferentially in biodiesel; until now, special additives that prevent the growth of organisms have provided a remedy.
For sailors who want to protect their diesel tank from diesel pest over the winter season, it is advisable to stock up on a biocide before the new regulation comes into force. As even small quantities are sufficient for one tank filling, even a small bottle will last for several seasons.
Another option is to avoid using fuel with a biodiesel content. V-Power from Shell and Ultimate from Aral, for example, can be stored for longer. There is also synthetic diesel especially for sailors, which is designed to prevent problems with diesel pest. C.A.R.E. diesel, for example, can be refuelled in ten ports on the Baltic Sea and at a total of 22 locations in Germany. Nevertheless, the diesel in the tank should be treated with a biocide against diesel pest before refuelling with C.A.R.E. diesel for the first time, as there is always some old fuel with bio-content left in the tank.
