The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Monday (27 July) said it is aware of recent reports highlighting operational issues observed in connection with certain residual marine fuels containing components which may indicate the presence of shale oil. 

IBIA said its Technical Working Group has reviewed the information currently available and noted that, while these reports raise legitimate questions that warrant further investigation, the available evidence does not establish a direct causal relationship between the presence of these compounds and the operational issues reported. 

“Shale oil-derived hydrocarbons are a permitted feedstock under ISO 8217. Their presence alone should not be regarded as evidence of fuel quality deficiencies or non-compliance,” IBIA said in a statement. 

“The relevant consideration is whether the finished fuel, as delivered, meets the requirements of ISO 8217, including the provisions relating to fuel composition and operational fitness for use. 

“The reported cases nevertheless reinforce the importance of understanding how increasingly complex marine fuel blends perform in practice.”

Manifold Times previously reported Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis (FOBAS) stating that tests on several fuels from Singapore identified a chemical fingerprint consistent with Estonian shale oil, while vessels using these fuels reported operational issues. 

Marine fuels testing company VPS reported it has seen an increase in the levels of shale oil components in marine fuels bunkered recently in Singapore

As the industry continues to diversify feedstocks and blend components, greater transparency, traceability, IBIA said quality assurance and information sharing across the supply chain will become increasingly important. 

“IBIA supports further technical investigation, industry collaboration and data sharing to improve understanding of fuel behavior and operational performance. Such work will help ensure confidence in marine fuel quality while supporting the safe, reliable and efficient operation of ships,” it added. 

Related: FOBAS: Estonian shale oil and stability issues found in marine fuels from Singapore
Related: VPS: Shale oil components detected in marine fuels in Singapore

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 28 July, 2026

Heinrich Wegener & Sohn, a family-run German company that supplies marine fuels and lubricants to the shipping industry, recently joined Global Ethanol Association as its newest member. 

With a long-standing reputation in maritime logistics and bunkering, the association said Heinrich Wegener & Sohn brings valuable expertise and industry leadership at a time when demand for low-carbon marine fuels is accelerating.

“Together, we look forward to advancing the development of ethanol and methanol bunkering by fostering collaboration across the maritime value chain, supporting infrastructure development, and helping enable the transition to cleaner, more sustainable shipping,” it said. 

The company, founded in 1929, focuses on the supply of marine diesel, gas oil, methanol, and certified biofuels in accordance with the RED II directive.

As a German reseller for Gulf Oil Marine, the company supplies marine lubricants to over 380 ships worldwide on a contract basis.

Photo credit: Heinrich Wegener & Sohn
Published: 7 July, 2026

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Friday (19 June) released a statement, welcoming the agreement between United States and Iran but cautioned that restoration of confidence, operational stability and normal trading conditions will take time: 

The International Bunker Industry Association welcomes agreement reached between the United States and Iran and hopes it represents a meaningful step towards restoring peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region.

“We join the wider maritime community in recognising the resilience, professionalism and dedication of seafarers, including those engaged in marine fuel supply operations, who continued to serve under exceptionally difficult and dangerous circumstances. Seafarers are the backbone of global shipping, enabling the movement of around 80% of world trade, while the marine energy sector plays a critical role in keeping that trade moving.

Recent events have also reinforced a fundamental principle: civilian ships, marine energy operations and the seafarers who serve on board must never become instruments or casualties of geopolitical disputes. The protection of human life at sea must remain paramount.

The crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of marine energy supply chains to geopolitical disruption. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy and marine fuel corridors, and instability in the region affected bunker operations, fuel logistics, supply planning and pricing across global bunker markets. While the marine fuel supply industry has once again demonstrated its resilience and adaptability, the effects of this disruption will not disappear overnight.

At the same time, recent events have reinforced the importance of energy security and supply diversification. As the maritime sector progresses towards a multi-fuel future, the development of alternative and lower-carbon marine fuels can contribute not only to decarbonization objectives but also to a more resilient and flexible global marine energy system. Strengthening supply diversity will help reduce exposure to regional disruptions and enhance the industry’s ability to respond to future crises.

While this agreement is a welcome development, it would be premature to assume an immediate return to normal operations. The restoration of confidence, operational stability, unrestricted freedom of navigation and fully functioning marine fuel supply chains will take time. Even as tensions ease, physical infrastructure, commercial confidence, supply arrangements and risk assessments will require time to recover.

We encourage all members and maritime stakeholders to continue following the guidance and recommendations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and relevant maritime security authorities and not rely solely on political announcements when assessing operational risk and voyage planning.

As the situation stabilises, it is important that the lessons from this period are not forgotten. The safety and wellbeing of seafarers must remain paramount. 

IBIA remains committed to working with the IMO, industry partners, governments and other stakeholders to support maritime safety, protect freedom of navigation and advance practical, secure and sustainable marine energy solutions for the benefit of global shipping and trade and enhance the resilience of global marine energy supply chains.

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 22 June, 2026