Navy Fuel Specification Standardization

In the early 1970s, the U.S. Navy switched from use of Navy Special Fuel Oil NSFO NATO F-77 to Naval Distillate Fuel NATO F-76 in shipboard propulsion and electric generating systems. Presently there are two fuels being utilized in shipboard operations. NDF F-76 is utilized in propulsion and electric generating systems, and JP-5 jet fuel is used for aircraft operations and as an emergency fuel for systems utilizing F-76. Since the conversion from NSFO to F-76, there has been interest in an additional conversion to a shipboard single-fuel operation. Due to the unique requirement of jet aircraft engines, single fuel, from necessity, would have to be JP-5. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the potential benefits and problems associated with a shipboard single-fuel operation. All shipboard systems, including boilers, turbine engines, and diesel engines should continue to operate satisfactorily, and in some instances, with increased efficiency with JP-5. The greatest benefit from such a conversion would be the convenience of handling only one fuel, and eliminating the possibility of fuel contamination. The major penalties would include higher fuel cost, and difficulty in procuring adequate supplies of JP-5 to meet the total U.S. Navy shipboard fuel requirements.