Mercedes Mullins
Crude oil tankers are large vessels designed to transport crude oil, but it is important to note that they can also be utilized for carrying other types of oil products, including jet fuel. While crude oil and jet fuel are both petroleum products, they differ in their composition and properties, leading to variations in how they are handled and transported. This was evident in a recent incident where a cargo ship collided with a tanker carrying jet fuel, raising concerns about potential environmental impact. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of jet fuel in such scenarios is crucial for assessing and managing the ecological consequences of similar events involving crude oil tankers transporting jet fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a crude oil tanker carry jet fuel? | Yes, a crude oil tanker can carry jet fuel. |
| Jet fuel spill impact on the aquatic environment | Less concerning than a crude oil spill as jet fuel evaporates quickly. |
| Biodegradation of jet fuel | Faster than crude oil, especially in warmer temperatures. |
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What You'll Learn
Crude oil vs. jet fuel
Crude oil and jet fuel are both petroleum products, but they differ in several ways. Crude oil is a naturally occurring fossil fuel composed of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds. It is typically extracted from underground reservoirs and then refined into various products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
On the other hand, jet fuel, also known as aviation turbine fuel, is a refined product derived from crude oil. It is a clear to straw-colored liquid that is highly flammable and combustible. Jet fuel is specifically designed for use in jet and turbine engines, powering aircraft such as airplanes and helicopters. The main component of jet fuel is kerosene, which is a lightweight hydrocarbon distillate. This distinguishes it from gasoline, which is a heavier distillate used primarily in automobiles.
The process of refining crude oil into jet fuel involves separating the different fractions of hydrocarbons present in the crude oil through fractional distillation. This process separates the hydrocarbons based on their boiling points, allowing for the isolation of the specific fractions needed for jet fuel. Additives may also be included in jet fuel to enhance its performance and stability. These additives can include antioxidants, static dissipaters, corrosion inhibitors, and anti-icing agents, among others.
The properties of jet fuel are carefully controlled to ensure it meets the requirements for aviation use. It has a high flash point, which is the lowest temperature at which it can form a flammable mixture with air, and a low freezing point to ensure it remains usable in the low-temperature conditions experienced at high altitudes. Jet fuel also has a high energy density, providing the energy required for aircraft propulsion.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on developing sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-derived jet fuel. This includes the use of synthetic kerosene, biofuels, and algae oil. These alternatives aim to reduce the reliance on crude oil and address concerns about the environmental impact of aviation fuel. Initiatives such as the Department of Defense Assured Fuel Initiative and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) investment in biofeedstock technologies reflect the push towards more sustainable and secure sources of jet fuel.
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Environmental impact of spills
Crude oil tankers can carry jet fuel. In fact, in March 2025, a tanker carrying jet fuel for the US military was involved in a collision off the coast of Britain, causing a spill in the North Sea.
The environmental impact of spills depends on the type of fuel, the environment, and the rate of introduction and destruction by bacteria.
Environmental Impact of Crude Oil Spills
Crude oil spills are a major concern as they threaten marine ecosystems, including shorelines. Oil that reaches the shoreline can cause habitat damage and pose a serious threat to all living organisms. Its behaviour and characteristics change due to natural weathering phenomena, and its fate depends on shoreline type, tidal energy, and environmental conditions. Climate change and rising sea levels can also increase shoreline vulnerability to oil spills, damaging coastal oil and gas platforms and pipelines.
Environmental Impact of Jet Fuel Spills
Jet fuel spills are less concerning for aquatic environments as the fuel evaporates quickly and biodegrades faster than crude oil, especially at warmer temperatures. However, jet fuel spills can still have an impact on the microbial community of soil. In one study, jet fuel spills in loam soil resulted in 50 and 135 mg of hydrocarbon g of soil. The fuel disappeared more rapidly from surface soil than subsurface soil due to better aeration and higher microbial activity.
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Jet fuel evaporation rate
Crude oil tankers can carry jet fuel, and there have been several instances of this happening. For example, in March 2025, an oil tanker carrying jet fuel for the US military collided with a cargo ship off the coast of Britain, causing a major rescue operation and concerns about the environmental impact of the spill.
Jet fuel has a high evaporation rate, and according to Mark Hartl of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, most of it will "evaporate very quickly" if spilled into the ocean. Warmer temperatures also speed up the biodegradation process. Jet fuel is defined by its performance specifications, such as freezing and smoke points, rather than as a chemical compound, as its composition varies widely depending on its petroleum source.
The commonly used jet fuels in civilian aviation, Jet A and Jet A-1, are kerosene-based and have a carbon number distribution of about 8 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule. Jet B, another commonly used jet fuel, is a wide-cut or naphtha-type jet fuel with a carbon number distribution of about 5 to 15. It is favored for its improved performance in cold weather.
The choice of jet fuel is influenced by the engine type and performance requirements. Turbine engines, for instance, can operate with a wide range of fuels. Aircraft engines typically use lower-cost jet fuels with higher flash points, which are less flammable and safer to transport and handle.
The push for sustainable aviation fuel, also known as aviation biofuel, has been ongoing since before the 2016 Paris Agreement.
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Biodegradation of jet fuel
Crude oil tankers can carry jet fuel, and there have been incidents of tankers carrying jet fuel colliding with other vessels, causing fuel spills. Jet fuel evaporates quickly, reducing the environmental impact of such spills, and biodegrades faster than crude oil.
The biodegradation of jet fuel is a well-studied phenomenon, with several research papers detailing the process and the microorganisms involved. Jet fuel is susceptible to biodegradation by bacteria and fungi. The rate of biodegradation depends on the type of fuel, the introduction rate, and the destruction rate by bacteria.
Microorganisms isolated from contaminated jet fuel include Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Flavobacterium oderatum, Sarcina flava, Micrococcus varians, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus brevis. Fungi such as Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces estuari, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium resinae, and Penicillium citrinum have also been found in contaminated jet fuel.
Biodeterioration of jet fuel, particularly kerosene-based fuel, can cause significant damage. A study found that six isolates of micromycetes from aviation kerosene samples exhibited the ability to grow on the fuel, with Talaromyces, Penicillium, and Aspergillus genera identified. Another study, focusing on the bioremediation of jet fuel-contaminated soil, found that specific strategies, such as the use of slow-release fertilizers and surfactants, reduced soil hydrocarbon content by over 50% in five months.
Biotreatment methods have also been explored for remediating jet fuel-contaminated water. One study utilized a fluidized-bed bioreactor (FBB) with specific bacterial associations and nickel nanoparticles, achieving an 80-100% removal of n-alkanes and iso-alkanes and a 40-60% removal of benzene derivatives and naphthalenes.
To prevent the biodegradation of jet fuel in storage tanks, antimicrobial coatings can be applied to act as a barrier against microbial growth and colonization, thus avoiding safety issues and economic losses.
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Rescue operations
Crude oil tankers carry crude oil, which is unrefined and must be distilled and converted before it can be used as jet fuel. A cargo ship carrying jet fuel for the US military was involved in a collision in March 2025, triggering a major rescue operation. The incident caused fuel to spill into the North Sea, sparking concerns about its ecological impact. All 37 crew members were safe, with one hospitalized.
In the event of accidents or emergencies involving aircraft, specialized rescue and firefighting services are often required. These services are known as Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) teams, and they are mandated at certain airports during air carrier operations. ARFF teams undergo specific training and utilize specialized vehicles and equipment to respond to aviation incidents effectively.
During rescue operations, ARFF teams have access to a range of resources, including ARFF vehicles equipped with high-reach extendable turrets for firefighting and cargo aircraft firefighting capabilities. They are trained to handle scenarios such as aircraft forcible entry and small aircraft or helicopter accidents. Regular alerts and updates ensure that ARFF personnel remain informed about the latest guidance and requirements in their field.
Additionally, rescue operations may involve the deployment of lifeboats, coast guard aircraft, and commercial vessels, depending on the nature and location of the incident. In the case of the collision between the cargo ship and the tanker, the response included a coordinated effort from multiple resources to address the emergency and mitigate potential environmental damage.
The ecological impact of jet fuel spills is an important consideration during rescue operations. Experts note that jet fuel evaporates more rapidly than crude oil and is subject to quicker biodegradation, especially in warmer temperatures. However, the overall ecological impact depends on the rate of fuel introduction and the rate at which bacteria can break it down.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, crude oil tankers can carry jet fuel.
Yes, in March 2025, a collision occurred between the MV Stena Immaculate, a US-flagged chemical and oil products tanker carrying jet fuel, and the cargo vessel MV Solong off the coast of Britain.
The spill's ecological impact was a concern, but Mark Hartl of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology noted that it was "less of a concern than if this had been crude oil" because jet fuel evaporates more quickly.
Jet fuel disintegrates more rapidly than crude oil, and warmer temperatures expedite biodegradation.
All 37 crew members from both vessels were safe, with only one hospitalization reported.
