Business

Peninsula Petroleum ready for IMO 2020, shares preparation strategy

Already started VLSFO deliveries since July, and expects to bunker more than 600,000 tonnes by 31 December.

Published

7 years ago

November 13, 2019

Admin

Global integrated marine fuel supplier Peninsula Petroleum Group (PPG) has released an industry statement sharing its IMO 2020 preparation strategy:

On 1 January 2020, the International Maritime Organisation's 0.50% global sulphur cap becomes effective, marking a major change to the marine fuel environment.

Over the past decade, Peninsula Petroleum Group (PPG), a leading global integrated marine fuel supplier, has further invested in and expanded its global physical supply and reselling capability. This is in line with the group's long-term business strategy built on conservative risk management, which puts PPG in a predominant position of 2020 readiness ahead of time.

Since July, PPG began successfully supplying VLSFO in Europe, the Americas and Asia to its customer base. CEO John A. Bassadone said, “To date we have delivered 300,000 tonnes of VLSFO in our physical supply ports of Gibraltar, Algeciras, Barcelona, ARA, Canary Islands, Malta, Panama, US Gulf Coast and Los Angeles. By 31 December more than 600,000 tonnes will have been delivered to our clients.”

PPG's focus on the importance of supply chain control and logistics has seen the group increase its strategic global storage positions during 2019, which today includes over 400,000 metric tons of terminal capacity in Europe and a further 370,000 metric tons across the Americas. The group also recently acquired its first Panamax vessel providing increased operational flexibility for product procurement, floating storage and cargo transhipments.

PPG have purchased and added an additional seven product tankers to modernise and upgrade their global fleet of over 30 owned and chartered-in vessels. One of them, an 8,000 dwt tanker, is the first of a new building programme designed to offer more segregation, enhanced quality control and optionality.

On the product side, the business has secured the right flow of compliant fuels matching the demand of its blue-chip customer base enabling PPG to be fully prepared well in advance of 1 January. PPG's direct relationships with oil majors, large IOCs, refiners and large global commodity traders on the supply side have allowed the implementation of a diverse 2020 procurement offering which has provided clarity to customers on product availability in each of its physical locations.

Alex Lyra, Global Head of Supply & Trading stated, “We have secured the full mix of products and availability in our physical ports from reliable partners in advance of 2020 and beyond. Our enhanced supply chain offers customers comprehensive solutions across multiple locations.”

To ensure quality control and allay customer concerns, PPG's operations, logistics and supply chain control allow the purchase of products and components for the production and delivery of compliant fuels well within ISO 8217:2017 specifications, backed up by in-house technical expertise.

“By engaging our customers early on in the 2020 planning phase to better understand their fuel strategies, demands and concerns, we've expanded key customer relationships across our entire blue-chip portfolio,” commented Victor Morales, Global Head of Sales and Marketing.

“This has enabled us to develop a comprehensive supply offering which is relevant and competitive.”

Bassadone concludes, “We have been committed to growing our business in a conservative manner and we have invested heavily over the past few years in our people, especially in building out comprehensive middle and back office teams to bolster our controls and processes. Our approach has been endorsed by our stakeholders who've shown their confidence in our business.”

“In that regard we have aligned ourselves with the right strategic partners who share our vision. We are optimistic about the challenges and opportunities 2020 brings and our focus of delivering global solutions that add value to our clients remains unchanged.”

Photo credit: Peninsula Petroleum Group
Published: 13 November, 2019

Business

IBT Bunkering & Trading appoints Kevin Döhmen to lead Singapore expansion

Döhmen will lead the new Singapore office, with responsibility for managing and developing the operation and strengthening relationships with customers and partners.

Published

22 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

IBT Bunkering & Trading appoints Kevin Döhmen to lead Singapore expansion

Hamburg-based marine fuels firm IBT Bunkering & Trading on Wednesday (12 August) said it has appointed Kevin Döhmen as Executive Vice President to lead the company’s new Singapore office.

Manifold Times previously reported the company announcing that it is opening its doors in Singapore and will be running a trading desk in the city-state after trading bunkers out of Hamburg since 1976.

The company said Kevin Döhmen will lead the new Singapore office, with theresponsibility for managing and developing the operation and strengthening relationships with customers and partners.

IBT said the Singapore office represents an important first step in strengthening its presence in Asia.

“At the same time, we are actively exploring further opportunities to expand our activities and establish new partnerships in this key maritime hub,” the company said.

Döhmen said: “Singapore is the heartbeat of global bunkering. Bringing IBT’s Hamburg roots — 50 years of them — onto the ground in this hub is a real privilege, and I couldn’t be more ready for it.”

IBT said it will maintain the service approach established through its Hamburg operations while building its activities in Singapore.

The company described the move as bringing together its Hamburg roots and Singapore presence through a global bunker network.

Photo credit: IBT Bunkering & Trading
Published: 13 August, 2026

Bunker Alerts

Low flashpoint found in Indonesia bunker fuels, alerts Maritec-Naias

Firm tested eight bunker samples representing LSMDO and B40 fuel grade from vessels that took fuel oil /bunkered in Indonesia ports, which indicated flashpoints as low as 39.5°C.

Published

22 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

Bunker fuel testing and marine surveying business Maritec-Naias on Wednesday (12 August) issued an alert regarding bunker samples from vessels that took fuel oil/bunkered in Indonesia showing flashpoints as low as 39.5°C:

During the period of 21 July to 04 August 2026, Maritec-Naias tested eight bunker samples representing Low Sulfur Marine Distillate Oil (LSMDO) and B40 fuel grade from vessels that took fuel oil /bunkered in Indonesia ports, which indicated Flashpoints as low as 39.5°C.

All eight fuel samples tested were sourced from a single supplier.

Regulatory Implications:

Based on the results of the eight samples tested, the fuels do not comply with the minimum flashpoint requirement of 60 °C set by SOLAS and ISO 8217.

As per SOLAS requirements, the minimum flashpoint of any fuel carried in the tanks of a ship should be not less than 60 °C (with exception of fuel for lifeboats, which can be grade DMX with a flash point min of 43 °C).

ISO 4259 interpretation for tested flashpoint temperature is not taken into consideration here as the safety of onboard crew and vessel is of higher precedence.

Since 01 May 2024, it has been a MARPOL Annex VI requirement that the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) includes either the actual flashpoint of a fuel as supplied or a declaration that its flashpoint has been determined as being at or above 70°C.

From 1 January 2026, SOLAS amendments clarified that the flashpoint requirement applies to fuels, which were specifically intended to have a flashpoint not less than 60°C as required under SOLAS II‑2/2.1.1 These amendments now align with MARPOL by requiring flashpoint details to be recorded on the BDN. Additionally, prior to bunkering, suppliers must provide the ship’s representative with a signed declaration confirming that the fuel meets the SOLAS flashpoint standard.

MARITEC-NAIAS RECOMMENDATIONS

When ordering fuels from Indonesia it is advised to insist on getting the actual flash point values from the supplier. If your vessel has bunkered a low flashpoint fuel it is prudent to observe/implement the precautions below:

Flame screens on tank vents should be maintained in good condition and there should be no sources of ignition in the vicinity of the vents. This will assist in safe natural ventilation of volatile components in the fuel.
No Smoking, no naked flame and no hot work must be allowed at any areas near to tank air vents.
Send additional tank(s) samples upon arrival in port to check the fuel properties and flash point results especially if there has been co-mingling of fuels in bunker tanks
If the vessel is out at sea, it may be possible to obtain dispensation from your Flag State Administration up to the next arrival port.
Put the supplier on notice promptly and notify your P&I club.

Photo credit: Shaah Shahidh on Unsplash
Published: 13 August, 2026

Methanol

China: Xiamen issues safety guidelines for methanol bunkering operations

New guidelines establish safety requirements across the full methanol bunkering process, supporting the expansion of green marine fuel supplies at Xiamen Port.

Published

22 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

Xiamen Free Trade Zone on Monday (10 August) said its Administrative Committee recently jointly issued the Safety Guidelines for Marine Methanol Fuel Bunkering in Xiamen Waters with Xiamen Port Authority and Xiamen Maritime Safety Administration, establishing a framework for methanol bunkering operations in the port.

The guidelines are the first safety operating standard in Fujian province specifically covering marine methanol fuel bunkering. They apply to methanol bunkering operations conducted by bunker vessels in Xiamen waters and set out safety requirements covering the entire operation, from preparation through completion.

The guidelines specify requirements for bunkering companies, equipment and materials used on bunker vessels, hose inspection intervals, personnel certification and personal protective equipment.

They also require operators to conduct dedicated risk assessments and prepare emergency response plans before operations begin. During bunkering, operators must maintain continuous monitoring and comply with specified weather restrictions. After completion, pipelines must undergo procedures including purging and inerting.

Xiamen Port has previously carried out ship-to-ship bunkering of biofuels and LNG. The new guidelines provide a regulatory framework and operational basis for methanol bunkering and are intended to support the safe and orderly conduct of such operations.

The move is also expected to help Xiamen Port expand its market and bunkering capacity for green marine fuels.

Photo credit: Woo Winter on Unsplash
Published: 13 August, 2026