New FOBAS report highlights recurring bunker fuel quality problems
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by Admin
The general picture of fuel quality in 2024 is one similar to the past few years, at least since the shift to predominantly VLSFO in 2020, according to Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) latest report from its Fuel Insight series, which was released on Tuesday (19 November).
“The same historical quality concerns such as cat-fines and stability, sulphur and flash point remain, and isolated incidents of chemical contamination are still occurring,” FOBAS concluded in its report titled FOBAS Fuel Insight: Fuel quality report 2024.
Looking forward, FOBAS said the application of the newly established ISO 8217:2024 standard, which includes all current fuel types, is anticipated to be adopted swiftly.
“We can also expect an increase in the demand and use of different biofuel and RFNBO types, not just of FAME. This adds significant challenges to the maritime industry to maintain the control of the quality and composition transparency of the fuel supplied,” it added.
The first report highlighted ongoing concerns around fuel quality, which remain a significant expense for the maritime industry. Key issues such as cat-fines, stability, Sulphur content and flashpoint are covered, plus the challenges of isolated incidents of chemical contamination.
The report also explored the growing adoption of biofuels and the implications of the newly implemented ISO8217:2024 standard, as well as regulatory pressures for the EU and IMO. This shift is expected to drive the growth of the biofuel supply market, presenting challenges related to availability, costs and fuel quality control.
“The FOBAS team’s comprehensive approach to measuring and tracing fuel quality plus dealing with emissions regulations is highlighted and continues to provide essential data and insights to help the shipping industry make informed decisions on marine fuel purchases,” it added.
Note: The full ‘FOBAS Fuel Insight: Fuel quality report 2024’ can be found here.
Photo credit: Shaah Shahidh on Unsplash
Published: 20 November, 2024
