EU Directive 2009/30/EC stipulates a requirement that sulphur free gas oil will be introduced to railway vehicles from the 1st January 2012. This will have a number of impacts including:

1) The oxidation stability of this fuel will be poorer than that of current Gas Oil. This can precipitate solids with potential to block filters in fuel distribution systems.

2) Sulphur free Gas Gil containing biodiesel will be more prone to bacterial contamination than current Gas Oil.

Bacterial growth will result in the blockage of fuel filters and increased corrosion, and prolonged use of contaminated fuel could result in damage to engines.

Bacterial growth can be addressed either by emptying and cleaning the tanks, or by seeking specialist help to tackle the outbreak with biocide additives.