Bunker fuel testing and marine surveying business Maritec-Naias on Monday (10 August) issued an alert regarding high levels of chemical compounds found in multiple fuel oil bunker samples from vessels that have taken fuel/bunkered in Malaysia ports:

During the period of 15 April to 15 July 2026, Maritec-Naias tested multiple fuel oil bunker samples from vessels that took fuel/bunkered in Malaysia ports, which indicated the presence of high levels chemical compounds.

Five cases were found to have Phenolic compounds and Alkylresorcinols in the range of 1070 – 9994 PPM and three cases were found to have reactive hydrocarbons in the range of 4500 – 20000 PPM. Operational issues like excessive sludge formation in purifier and wear-and-tear of the fuel pump were reported.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) testing using the Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) method confirmed the presence of Alkylresorcinols in samples tested. In addition, GC-MS ASTM D7845 analysis identified a range of phenolic compounds and reactive hydrocarbons – including styrene and its derivatives, dicyclopentadiene, dihydro-dicyclopentadiene, and indene – providing comprehensive evidence of contamination.

The presence of Alkylresorcinols may originate from non-petroleum cutter stocks, such as Estonian shale oil, while the detected reactive hydrocarbons could stem from ethylene cracker by-products. In addition, the fuels appear to have been blended with low-quality marine fuels, a practice likely driven by sharply rising bunker prices amid the war in the Middle East.

Regulatory Implications:

Due to the high levels of these chemical compounds the fuel does not meet the general requirement and is considered as off-spec fuel as per clause 5 of ISO8217 and MARPOL Annex VI regulation 18, which states:

“The fuels shall be homogeneous blends of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining. This shall not preclude the incorporation of small amounts of additives intended to improve some aspects of performance. The fuels shall be free from inorganic acids and from used lubricating oils. The fuel should not include any added substance or chemical waste which,

1. a) jeopardizes the safety of ships or adversely affects the performance of the machinery; or
2. b) is harmful to personnel; or
3. c) contributes overall to additional air pollution.”

MARITEC-NAIAS RECOMMENDATIONS

• Closely observe the vessel fuel system/s for signs of filter clogging and purifier sludging and additionally, increase vigilance on the centrifuges to monitor overloading.
• Increase frequency of their de-sludging cycle depending on the accumulated sludge.
• Possibly reduce the mean time between bowl cleaning of the purifier and fuel system filters.
• Avoid blending with other fuels, in particular marine diesel and gas oil and also other fuel oil as such mixing may well increase the sediment problem.
• Opt for Maritec-Naias’s highly cost-effective Marine Fuel Testing Programme (MFTP) PLUS testing for all residual bunker fuel. This package includes routine ISO 8217 Testing, targeted GC-MS screening for 38 high-risk compounds relevant to ship operations & P-value Stability Testing – providing crucial pre-burn protection against fouled purifiers, blocked injectors & engine failure.

Photo credit: Hans Reniers on Unsplash
Published: 11 August, 2026

Tanker shipping company Somtrans on Saturday (8 August) said its new 20,000 m³ LNG bunkering barge has successfully been launched at China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co Ltd (CIMC SOE).

The company said the barge is now one step closer to joining its fleet in January next year and beginning its journey at sea.

“From the first plans to seeing the barge enter the water, this project has involved years of expertise, teamwork and dedication from many people,” it said in a social media post. 

Separately, RensenDriessen Shipbuilding, which acted as a broker in the project, said the vessel was built by CIMC SOE, with newbuilding supervision carried out by EXMAR.  

Photo credit: Somtrans
Published: 11 August, 2026

Marine fuels supplier Peninsula recently published an article on why bio-LNG is emerging as a key fuel pathway in the maritime energy transition:

As the maritime industry accelerates its decarbonisation journey, operators face a growing challenge: reducing emissions while maintaining operational efficiency and commercial viability. While no single fuel offers a universal solution, Bio-LNG is increasingly attracting attention as a practical pathway for LNG-fuelled vessels seeking immediate emissions reductions without major infrastructure changes. 

The conversation around alternative fuels often focuses on future technologies and long-term investments. However, for many operators, the more pressing question is how to reduce emissions today using solutions that can be implemented within existing operations. This is where Bio-LNG presents a compelling proposition. 

“As operators look to balance compliance, cost and operational performance, Bio-LNG offers a practical solution that can be integrated into existing LNG infrastructure today. Increasing availability across key bunkering locations is helping turn decarbonisation ambitions into operational reality.” Cristina Danes, LNG Supply Trader, Peninsula. 

Building on Existing LNG Infrastructure 

BioLNG is a renewable marine fuel produced from certified biogenic waste feedstocks. While its origin differs from conventional LNG, it remains chemically equivalent, allowing it to be used within existing LNG infrastructure and dual-fuel engines. This compatibility eliminates the need for costly vessel modifications or extensive retrofitting programmes, reducing both complexity and investment requirements. 

For operators that have already invested in LNG-capable vessels, bioLNG offers a clear route to further improve environmental performance while leveraging existing assets and supply chains. 

The increasing availability of bioLNG across key bunkering hubs is helping remove barriers to adoption. Recent supply operations, including Peninsula’s first Bio-LNG delivery in the Port of Cadiz, illustrate how renewable marine fuels are becoming more accessible through existing LNG supply chains. 

Delivering Meaningful Emissions Reductions 

As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, the ability to demonstrate measurable emissions reductions is becoming increasingly important. BioLNG can achieve lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions of up to 90% compared with conventional marine fuels when produced from certified waste-based feedstocks. 

These reductions represent a significant opportunity for vessel operators looking to improve their environmental performance while balancing commercial considerations and operational requirements. 

Supporting Regulatory Compliance 

Alongside emissions reduction targets, compliance is becoming an increasingly central consideration in fuel procurement decisions. 

Frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime are creating new incentives for lower-carbon fuel adoption while introducing additional complexity into compliance planning. In this environment, BioLNG can play an important role in helping operators manage their emissions profile and support broader compliance strategies, including participation in mechanisms such as FuelEU pooling. 

As regulations continue to develop, flexibility will become an increasingly valuable asset. Fuels that can deliver both environmental and compliance benefits are likely to play a growing role in operators’ fuel strategies. 

A Practical Step Forward 

The maritime energy transition will require a mix of solutions, technologies and fuel pathways. While longer-term alternatives continue to develop, BioLNG provides an immediately available option for LNG-fuelled vessels seeking to reduce emissions and prepare for a more carbon-conscious operating environment. 

For many operators, the transition to lower-carbon shipping will not be defined by a single transformational change, but by a series of practical steps. BioLNG represents one such step: leveraging existing infrastructure, supporting regulatory compliance and helping bridge the gap between today’s operations and the future of shipping.

Photo credit: Peninsula
Published: 11 August, 2026