Aderco International is globally renowned for its innovative and cutting-edge fuel treatment solutions. With the journey towards net zero a global priority, Aderco is implementing solutions for the future. CEO Olivier Baiwir, COO Philippe Lecloux and CAO Charlotte Baiwir explained more, in an exclusive interview. Report by Imogen Ward.
When it was first established in 1981, Aderco Ioperated with a desire to improve fuel efficiency and operational reliability. Throughout its evolution and adaptation over the years, the company has remained deeply connected to its original purpose.
“Today, Aderco is very much a forwardthinking company, consistently driving innovation to enhance the performance of energy transition,” explained CEO Olivier Baiwir. “Our products are perfectly designed to treat and solve fuel issues for almost all types of vessels, while also minimising their environmental impact.”
Building a business
Aderco started more than 40 years ago in Montreal, Canada.
“At the time, Aderco was conducting research to improve the fuel efficiency, operational reliability and environmental
impact of the Canadian Coastguard’s icebreaking fleet,” said Mr Baiwir.
With support from the Government of Quebec, Aderco developed its first surfactant formula into a product that could be industrialised for the marine industry. “The product became a great candidate for those looking for a non-solvent-based solution,” continued Mr Baiwir.
In 2007, following an industry wide crudeoil shock, the business was tasked with researching a vegetal-based alternative to its famed solution, in the hopes that it would greatly improve product performance and be better for the environment.
“It took almost two years just to identify the product, from there we had to test its stability, quality and performance,” explained Mr Baiwir. “Following a full validation of the new formula in 2013, we decided to implement it everywhere. ”We are proud to have a fuel additive from the 21st century.”
In March 2014, a change in company ownership served as the true catalyst for the company's transformation and growth. “Since then, our company has been the first to design and formulate green and sustainable organic surfactant technology,” said Mr Baiwir. “Through extensive research and development, we have effectively addressed fuel-related issues with great success, as well as developing environmentally friendly products for the most diverse applications involving combustion engines.”
One of the most significant milestones in the company’s 40-year history, particularly in terms of enhancing its reputation, has been the implementation of the new IMO low sulphur regulations, which took effect on January 1, 2020.
Leading up to the deadline for low sulphu r fuels, the entire Aderco technical team played a pivotal role in advising ship owners and managers with clear and concise facts, emphasising the necessity of tank cleaning prior to the introduction of new fuel and highlighting the critical importance of fuel treatments for the ongoing maintenance and operation of marine engines.
The company is proud to offer sustainable products that continue to improve efficiency, solving fuels issues and making a positive impact by minimising fuel consumption and reducing CO 2 emissions.
The range
Today, Aderco operates with a full line of plant-based solutions – each one designed to provide crucial improvements in the fuel economy of its clients while also prioritising environmental suitability.
According to COO Philippe Lecloux, when it comes to its customers, Aderco serves three separate categories: “There are the customers that religiously use Aderco’s additives, these individuals are proactive in ensuring vessel maintenance. If these customers ever have a problem, it is minimal and can be easily solved.
“We also serve companies that use our additives when there is a problem because they help clean engine components, filters and separators. The third category involves the companies that have tried several other products, and they haven’t worked. These are often the most complex cases,
because by this point the fuel is a hybrid mixture of lots of different chemicals. It is difficult to decipher whether the fuel was actually poor quality or whether it is the cocktail of additives that is negatively affecting the vessel’s efficiency.
“No matter the category, we are happy to help, because we are experts in our field, and we have confidence in our products. If Aderco cannot solve the problem, then others certainly cannot.”
When it comes to the shipping industry, Aderco currently offers two separate solutions. The 2055G is the perfect solution for those looking for power generation and fuel conditioning. As the company’s most concentrated surfactant, the 2055G homogenises fuel, works to clean and protect components, and improves energy efficiency whilst reducing carbon emissions.
The L1050 is also a perfect solution for generating power. The perfect partner for low and ultra-low sulphur fuels, this solution solves lubricity loss, and thus protects a vessel’s fuel pump and injection system.
Also on offer are two products that were developed with inland sectors in mind. The V35 and V25 are both hybrid combustion and lubricity improvers perfect for road and rail transportation. The company also has a surfactant/dispersant dedicated to road users who consume a smaller amount of fuel.
Serving Singapore
With the increased popularity of its products, in 2017, Aderco made the strategic decision to expand its physical presence, by opening a new branch in Singapore: Aderco Pte.
“We assessed the market to see what fuel treatment solutions were available,” explained Mr Lecloux. “The products ranged broadly from sophisticated solutions to snake oil, and we realised that there weren’t many competitors at our level of specialism. So, we took the opportunity and introduced our solutions to the Asian market. This was an incredibly exciting time that brought with it several challenges.”
Aderco strongly believes that the next generation should be able to live in a sustainable world that has embraced an efficient energy transition. With this in mind, and with the shipping industry heavily focused on lowering emissions, Aderco is looking at different ways to apply its own knowledge.
“Now more than ever, there is a huge amount of talk surrounding the potential of biofuels, and we are ready to help provide solutions,” said Mr Lecloux. “As a member of the Singapore Shipping Association’s fuel and biofuel committees, every day, we witness the ways in which Singapore is looking to push the boundaries of fuel supply in order to develop a huge business for biofuels in Asia.
“We have developed lots of tests with industrial partners to place ourselves on the cutting edge of this new market, including corrosion prevention which has provided some very promising results. We are ready to face the challenge of biofuel.”
This is just one of the many ways that Aderco is working to progress carbon reduction in the marine industry. The company
remains committed to innovation through its research and development, in addition to conducting various studies on its current portfolio to accurately assess the products’ capabilities when it comes to carbon reduction.
Aderco also involves itself in a lot of CSR initiatives, following the implementation of its CSR indicators in 2021. According to CAO Charlotte Baiwir, this is incredibly important: “When we give our support to a project or initiative, we don’t believe in just giving financial support. We take pride in our hands-on approach and the collective achievements of our team.
“In February 2024, I was in Sierra Leone supporting Mercy Ships, an international humanitarian NGO, focused on enhancing healthcare accessibility in African
countries by providing treatment onboard their ships. We take pride in our collaboration with Mercy Ships, offering s upport through various means, including product donations.
“Every Aderco branch actively participates in CSR initiatives, even though we are a small company, we continuously seek new avenues to support those in need.”
“ We are constantly driven to act for the climate, and we work hard to implement effective R&D for tomorrow’s fuels,” Mr Baiwir said, in conclusion. “Our ability to be innovative has helped develop Aderco into a responsive company that is treating a huge volume of fuel annually to improve our customers’ efficiencies and help combat climate change.”
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