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Innospec highlights important overview on handling fuel instability issue of VLSFO

Majority of VLSFO components come from low cost distillate and low sulphur petrochemical streams which can be readily separated to form distillate sludge.
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Colorado-based global specialty chemicals company Innospec has published an article on handling fuel instability of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) in their February technical bulletin :

Problems associated with VLSFO

  • Polished liners, Piston ring failure
  • Instability / compatibility
  • Fuel injector / pump damage
  • Low combustion efficiency
  • Post combustion fouling (Turbochargers, EGE, EGR, SCR, scrubbers/wash water)
  • Short storage lifespan
  • Reduced service intervals (purifiers)

What is Fuel instability and why is it more important than ever?

HSFO instability meant Asphaltenes dropped-out of solution causing filter blocking, tank fouling, poor combustion and increased purifier cleaning/servicing frequency. VLSFO still contains Asphaltenes from residual streams; however, it is a different animal. The majority of VLSFO components come from low cost distillate and low sulphur petrochemical streams which can be highly volatile, these can separate readily to form distillate sludge such as sticky gums, hard sediments or even polymers in storage/handling tanks, filters, pipework, purifiers and mechanical contact surfaces.

It has been shown that after-burn and dumb-bell ignition (both early and late ignition) are a high risk due to the incompatible mixture of light (paraffinic) and heavy (Asphaltenes) fractions used to achieve lower costs and 0.5% Sulphur found in VLSFO. Using the best methods for component mapping and stability monitoring we have proven the blend of two dissimilar components pose a significant risk of instability through rapid chemi-cal ageing, this makes storage/handling unpredictable with some of the effects being unavoidable on-board. 

Distillate sludge blocks filters and purifiers just as residual sludge does, only this can happen rapidly for a variety of reasons including prolonged storage (>1 month), heating or co-mingling. Unfortunately, it can also happen due to an inherent instability, which leads to chemical changes in the fuel once on-board.

The true risk of distillate sludge is to ships engines. Paraffinic gums are highly adhesive and stick to contact surfaces such as injectors and fuel pumps. Once established they allow hardinorganics such as metals/cat fines to become imbedded within, creating an abrasive surface that wear down fine tolerances, or create blockages. The quick onset of injector nozzle blockage leading to poor spray pattern and ignition efficiency which will lead to greater instance of liner impingement, after- burn and post combustion fouling (soot, ash, T/C deposits).

What does this mean for combustion?

Asphaltenes have always existed within Marine Fuels, they have a high calorific value and burn readily if effectively dispersed within the fuel; if stabilised the Asphaltenes are dispersed and protected by naturally occurring resins, which keep them small enough to find sufficient oxygen and burn during combustion. By contract, VLSFO can be an overly refined product containing low cost distillate streams that strip-away protective resins causing the Asphaltenes to agglomerate to form huge complex structures, which drop out of solution. Those that are not removed during filtration or purification or develop afterward are injected into the combustion chamber but are too large to burn effectively. This is when we see ‘black’ residual deposits on liners and pistons from unburnt fuel.

The same is true of distillate sludge, only that we have seen that these tend to effect engine components far more than Asphaltenes. Once injector efficiency is reduced through nozzle blockage, early ignition or contact surface wear, this leads to poor spray pattern and further compounds poor combustion efficiency.

How do we keep ships sailing?

Fuel handling practices will need to change to face the new challenges; unfortunately, each fuel bunkering will vary significantly from region to region or even within the same port. VLSFO is still a residual fuel that requires heating due to high pour points, variable viscosity and waxy distillate components. Unfortunately heating VLSFO can lead to the rapid onset of aging, which brings us instability. There are cases where fuel has polymerised within four hours of leaving the storage tank and entering the fuel handling system (with purifier temperatures as low as 60°C!). These chemical reactions cannot be avoided even when good on-board practices are followed.

Innospec were approached by Industry to develop OctamarTM HF-10 PLUS; our expertise in the Marine, Automotive, Aviation and Refinery business uniquely places us in a position to maximise the operability of fuels. 

OctamarTM HF-10 PLUS contains our famous Asphaltenes dispersant/stabiliser which has been used in over 3000 vessels world-wide to clean-up and maintain fuel tank cleanliness, and our unique distillate stabiliser/detergent and dispersant, which targets problem elements in the low quality distillate streams, preventing them from propagating into sludge or adhering to machinery contact surfaces.

This means clean tanks, filters, purifier, engines and better combustion. Our formulas have been a must-have in automotive/industrial diesels and long-term storage units for decades and we are pleased to bring it to the marine sector in these trying times.

OctamarTM HF-10 Plus chemically targets problem elements within the fuel, cleaning up Asphaltenes, distillate gums and sediments, and prevents the onset of polymerisation and oxidation.

Would you like to know more?

To find out more details please contact our technical team in your region and visit our website:

For Europe, Middle East and Africa mail [email protected]

For Asia Pacific mail [email protected]

For America mail [email protected]

Related: Innospec launches Octamar™ series of additives for new blends of IMO 2020 bunker fuels


Photo credit: Innospec
Published: 17 February, 2020

 

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.
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June 4, 2026

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StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore. 

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

  • emissions reporting and validation 
  • compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
  • exposure visibility and cost transparency
  • pooling, settlement and financial processes 

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo. 

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 June, 2026

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