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FUJCON 2021: Sulphur off-specs in bunker fuel samples more than doubled on year in 2021, observes VPS

VPS test data shows 12% of bunker fuel samples tested to be off-spec in 2021, compared to 8% off-spec cases detected by the fuel testing and inspection firm last year.

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International fuel testing and inspection company VPS has recorded a jump in the number of off-spec bunker fuel samples – particularly for 0.50% sulphur content – in the current year to date, observes the Managing Director AMEA at VPS.

“Global sulphur non-compliance stood at about 3% for last year and this number increased to about 7% for 2021,” Captain Rahul Choudhuri told delegates at the 12th Fujairah International Bunkering and Fuel Oil Virtual Forum (FUJCON 2021).

“I believe the issue of the marginally off-spec, that is the 0.51% to 0.53% sulphur, will continue to plague this industry. This is because a vast majority of these fuels are being blended close to the limit –with sulphur content in about 50% of bunker samples tested within the 0.47% to 0.50% percentage range.

“However, it is worth noting that whereas the chances of getting higher non-compliance so far is certainly prevalent in Europe and America; the sulphur compliance in the Middle East is typically good. This is positive news for Fujairah, although some off-spec sulphur has been observed in Dubai, Jeddah and Kuwait.”

“So there is a challenge for the industry as to how this is handled. Do we need tighter regulations where, for example, fuels with more than 0.47% sulphur content cannot be supplied? Or do we allow the market this flexibility and then take this risk?”

Captain Choudhuri further referred to VPS test data which showed a rising trend for bunker fuel off-specs this year; the company encountered 12% off-spec cases in 2021, compared to 8% off-spec cases last year.

“The majority of off-specs VPS detected in tests were from bunker fuel samples lifted at European ports,” he shares.

“In fact, Europe stands out at more than 30% of that number [12% of off-spec cases in 2021], followed by South America, North America, and Russia. Whereas, off-specs cases in the Middle East and Asia are extremely low.”

Captain Choudhuri notes flashpoint non-compliance to be amongst issues found within these off-spec bunker fuel samples.

“In terms of statutory compliance, the flashpoint of not less than 60°C for marine fuels has been set by the IMO and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),” he states.

“Flashpoint is an important measure for maintaining safety in shipping and the industry has a responsibility to keep it that way.

“There is a renewed initiative by some members of the maritime industry to lower the flashpoint level; possibly for commercial reasons.

“Trying to reduce this flashpoint level will be tantamount to going down the slippery slope of reduced safety on board ships – and this must not be allowed.”

A series of interviews conducted by Manifold Times as part of pre-event coverage for FUJCON 2021 can be found below:

Related: INTERVIEW: Price risk management for future marine fuels more complex, forecasts ElbOil
Related: INTERVIEW: Bunkering sector undergoing through exciting technological transformation, observes Teekay Tankers
Related: INTERVIEW: National Bank of Fujairah discusses challenges, risk management in oil and bunkering sectors
Related: INTERVIEW: IMO 2030/2050 marine fuels to be decided by most cost efficient, effective well-to-propeller solution
Related: INTERVIEW: Bunker buying is more than a relationship-based activity; it’s a science, says marine fuels broker
Related: INTERVIEW: 80-90 times YOY growth for Singapore LNG bunkering volumes in 2021, says FueLNG
Related: INTERVIEW: Major ports, including Singapore, to prepare for alternative marine fuels future, says IMO
Related: INTERVIEW: VLSFO bunker contamination could resurface on USD 80 to 90 bbl oil, warns consultant


Photo credit: Manifold Times

Published: 24 March, 2021

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Winding up

Singapore: High Court to hear Norvic Shipping Asia winding up application on 31 July

Application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to Government Gazette notice.

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RESIZED singapore high court

An application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to a Tuesday (21 July) notice on the Government Gazette.

It noted the winding up application is directed to be heard before the Judge sitting in the General Division of the High Court at 10am on 31 July.

Any creditor or contributory of the company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the winding up application may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose.

A copy of the winding up application will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the company requiring the copy of the winding up application by the solicitors of the applicant’s, Oon & Bazul LLC, on payment of the regulated charge for the same.

The Applicant’s address is Hiridostraat 5, Gebouw Prismatrium, 1101CW Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Applicant’s solicitors are Oon & Bazul LLC of 103 Penang Rd, #04-04/05/06 Singapore 238467. 

Queries on the winding up application may be directed to the following email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected].

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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