Built by Alloy Yachts of New Zealand in 2002, vessel “Destination Fox Harbr” is a 41 metre (135 ft) Dubois design has chosen a PFM GP4500 Recirculation Unit for fuel stability and conditioning.
The unit was chosen to assist in maintaining the combined volume of 30,000 litres of diesel fuel to as high a standard as possible, keeping the tanks free of the moisture created by condensation in the vessel integral tanks, complementing the vessels standard of quality engineering.
With wide ranging movements including its requirement to operate tropical and temperate zones frequently demanded, the required bunkering of fuel is carried out in areas of unknown fuel supply quality.
This increased likelihood of moisture and/or low fuel quality resulting in bacterial growth and moisture the risk of damage engine components, fuel tanks and the fuel itself was wisely recognised by vessel Skipper Mike Lawrence, who addressed these issues applying PFM to keep the vessels operational reliability.
Compact design and ease of installation of the unit has it located into the engineering space, allowing for ease of filter changes, maintenance, and operational monitoring.
With the high cost of diesel and availability of critical engine parts being an issue in remote locations and current supply chain challenges, the Mike’s choice of “prevention rather than cure” is a well-founded decision made with experience.