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DS Norden in USD 2 million claim against Global Energy Trading over alleged off spec bunker fuel

Bunker orders of ISO 8217:2010 spec LS 380 cSt 0.5% for Nord Gemini, Nord Titan, Ocean Rosemary, and Luzern were placed through global commodities trading and logistics house Trafigura Pte Ltd.
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Lawyers representing shipping firm Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S (DS Norden) and Singapore bunker supplier Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd (Global) met at a pre-trial conference organised by the High Court of the Republic of Singapore on Tuesday (17 November) to discuss matters relating to a bunker claim, according to documents obtained by the Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.

Claim by Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN

DS Norden was seeking for a total claim of USD 2 million (exact: USD 2,066,063.03) and SGD 22,000 (exact: SGD 22,283.00) from Global over loss and damages from the supply of alleged off-spec low sulphur 380 centistokes (cSt) 0.5% bunker fuel to Nord Gemini, Nord Titan, Ocean Rosemary, and Luzern at Singapore port in or around January 2020.

About 997.985 metric tonnes (mt) of the material was delivered to Nord Gemini on 4 January; 359.102 mt to Nord Titan on 17 Janaury; 1,196.303 mt to Ocean Rosemary on 21 January, and 498.407 mt to Luzern on the same day (21 Janaury).

“The Bunkers supplied and/or delivered by the Defendant were unusable (in fact worse than unusable given that they were potentially or actually damaging to the respective Vessels’ engines) and the Plaintiff is entitled to the return of the price paid on a total failure of consideration and/or in restitution,” alleged lawyers in DS Norden’s statement of claim.

The bunker orders were placed through global commodities trading and logistics house Trafigura Pte Ltd., according to the documents. The orders under the ISO 8217:2010 fuel quality standard specified a maximum sulphur content of 0.50% and Total Sediment Potential (TSP) limit of 0.10% amongst other parameters.

An initial fuel analysis conducted by the owners of the four vessels after respective bunker deliveries found fuel samples to be off-spec.

Subsequent joint analysis conducted by Trafigura, DS Norden and the owners of the four vessels claimed an excessive TSP level for the bunkers supplied and delivered by Global; in addition, fuel delivered to the Luzern had excessive sulphur levels.

  • Nord Gemini: TSP: 0.17% (Supplier’s sample)
  • Nord Titan: TSP: 0.17% (Supplier’s sample); 0.11% (Vessel’s sample);
  • Ocean Rosemary: TSP: 0.12% (Supplier’s sample); 0.14% (Vessel’s sample);
  • Luzern: (a) TSP >0.50% (Vessel manifold); 0.35% (Vessel tank); (b) sulphur content: 1.05% (Vessel manifold); 0.79% (Vessel tank).

Defence of Global Energy Trading

Lawyers representing Global stated: “Any remedy DS Norden may have lies in a contractual claim against Trafigura, which DS Norden is actively pursuing against Trafigura through arbitration proceedings in London.”

They added there was no duty of care by Global to DS Norden, amongst other arguments.

“There is altogether no basis for any claim (in negligence or otherwise) by DS Norden against Global,” the lawyers explained.

“DS Norden’s attempt to found a claim in negligence against Global is an attempt to circumvent its contractual bargain with Trafigura.

“DS Norden chose to contract with Trafigura rather than Global, and should not be allowed to better its bargain and sidestep the risk exposure negotiated and agreed between parties. In the premises, the present claim is frivolous, vexatious, and an abuse of court process.”

Further tests of bunker samples conducted by Global with a SAC-SINGLAS Accredited Laboratory later revealed the following results:

  • Nord Gemini: TSP 0.10% m/m (within spec)
  • Nord Titan: TSP 0.09% m/m (within spec)
  • Ocean Rosemary: **
  • Luzern: TSP 0.29% m/m and sulphur content 0.96% m/m (exceeding spec)

**Test results not shared in court document

Testing done on the samples obtained at the time of delivery and retained by Global indicated the bunkers supplied to Nord Gemini, Ocean Rosemary and Nord Titan conformed to the specification required by the Bunker Standards and Regulations, said lawyers.

In summary, Global’s legal team stated, amongst others, that:

DS Norden’s present claim against Global is an attempt to circumvent:

  • the contractual bargain that it had made with Trafigura;
  • the risk exposure that it had chosen through the terms of its contract with Trafigura;
  • the fact that it had chosen not to contract with a licensed bunker supplier in Singapore for the delivery of the bunker fuel to the Four Vessels; and
  • the fact that it had not contracted directly with Global.

“Global denies DS Norden is entitled to any of the reliefs claimed,” they stated.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 20 November, 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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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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