Based on the below info, only ULSD diesel fuel is available in the U.S.
since June this year. While it is not yet mandated for marine use - it is
evidently the only diesel fuel we can purchase in marinas.

Is this correct?

Following quoted from:
http://www.leetechnologies.com/news/...sub.aspx?id=69

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the Clean
Non-road Diesel Rule, mandating a reformulation of diesel fuel in order to
reduce the fuel's sulfur content from the unregulated level of 3000ppm to a
level of 15ppm. The reduction in sulfur content for land based engines was
accomplished in two steps. First, the sulfur content was capped at 500ppm
starting June 2007. Second, the sulfur cap will be reduced to 15ppm by June
2010. Although the EPA ULSD requirements for off-road engines do not go into
effect until 2010, U.S. refineries have stopped manufacturing non ULSD fuel
as of June 1, 2007. "


" Reduced Lubricity and Increased Fuel Particulate
Sulfur content in diesel fuel contributes to the fuel's ability to lubricate
and protect various parts of the engine's fuel injection system from wear.
In addition, the refinement process that reduces sulfur content also removes
other naturally occurring lubricity agents. In order to offset this loss of
lubricity, refiners utilize fuel additives that were previously not needed.
Because of these additives lubricity is not a problem for ULSD. However, the
additives can become unstable in storage, which can result in increased
particulates in the fuel. These particulates can contribute to clogged or
fouled fuel filters and fuel injection systems.

Fuel System Leaks
A side effect of the reduction in fuel aromatics is an increased incidence
of fuel system leaks. These leaks generally occur at system points where
O-rings are used to seal joints with most leaks occurring at the fuel pumps
and injectors. Long service/high temperature Nitrile Rubber (Buna N) seals
appear to be most prone to leaks.

Incompatibility with Lubricating Oil
Lubricating oil contains additive packages that neutralize combustion
products to prevent engine corrosion. With a reduced amount of sulfur there
is more un-reacted additive in the lube oil, which may result in formation
of deposits when some of the oil is burned. These deposits can build up
behind the piston rings and result in cylinder liner scuffing.

Additional Potential Problems and Considerations:
.. Increased incidence of microbial growth due to increased concentration of
n-alkalines (linear molecules)
.. Copper and zinc engine components are incompatible with ULSD because they
are oxidative catalysts that will accelerate the formation of sediments,
gels and soaps.
.. Changes in tank and pump labeling requirements. Diesel fuel storage tanks
are required to be labeled with the type of fuel that they contain. This may
require a change for some facilities.
.. The introduction of ULSD fuel to older systems may loosen deposits in fuel
tanks.
.. Because ULSD has a lower conductivity than high sulfur diesel, this fuel
is more likely to accumulate an electrical charge. As a result, there is an
increased risk of a static discharge accident."