SIBCON 2026: VPS discusses global bunkering standards on quality, enforcement, and future bunker fuels

An overview of the evolution, enforcement, and future of bunkering standards was provided by Captain Rahul Choudhuri – Chair, TC for Bunkering (Ambient Liquid Fuels), Chemical Standards Committee (CSC) during a recent panel discussion.

Captain Choudhuri, also the President of Strategic Partnerships at VPS, was taking part in the dialogue Key Highlights of Standards for Trust and Quality at the Pre-Conference Symposium of the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2026) on Tuesday (13 October) when he highlighted the following:

The Evolution of Standards: Technical Reference to Singapore Standard

Captain Choudhuri clarified the strategic progression from Technical References (TR) to Singapore Standards (SS).

A TR acts as a three-year provisional standard, allowing the industry to gain practical experience, assess technical clarity, and evaluate ease of use.

This period is critical for determining whether a standard is suitable for full adoption as an SS, though he noted that not all TRs are guaranteed to progress if they fail to meet these requirements.

Quality Control: Sampling and Polymers

To begin the discussion, Captain Choudhuri emphasised that the new sampling and polymer standards are distinct entities.

The sampling standard aims to improve efficiency by consolidating requirements, thereby avoiding the need to update multiple individual standards simultaneously. Key enhancements include tighter sampling arrangements, improved seals, and the introduction of mandatory photographic evidence.

The development of the polymer standard was driven by the fallout from a 2022 fuel contamination case that affected over 200 ships and caused damage to 80 vessels. An Industry Expert Group that eventually identified Chlorinated Hydrocarbons(COC) as the key cause in 2023 – also identified three specific polymers – polystyrene, polypropylene, and poly methyl methacrylate – that needed attention. The lack of a polymers standardised test method at the time necessitated the creation of the new polymer standard. All this in an effort to show that the Port of Singapore would not take this lying down and was serious in its intention to address any quality breach.

Addressing Global Fragmentation in ISO 8217

Captain Choudhuri expressed frustration regarding the “malaise” in global standard adoption, particularly concerning ISO 8217. Despite the availability of the 2024 version, industry uptake remains minimal, with many operators still relying on standards from 2005 or 2010. He described this slow adoption as a “slap in the face” to the working groups that develop these standards.

To accelerate adoption of the latest ISO 8217 standard, Choudhuri proposed several levers:

• Charter Parties: Shipowners should explicitly include new standards in their agreements.
• Insurance: P&I clubs and insurers should recognise compliance in their premiums and claims.
• Engine Manufacturers: Manufacturers should align their warranty terms with the latest standards.
• Enforcement: Singapore could leverage its regulatory muscle to mandate standards, similar to its approach with biofuel rules, by setting clear timelines and guidelines.

Future Fuels and Green Attributes

Regarding ethanol bunkering, Choudhuri noted that while the principles of methanol bunkering likely apply, the industry must carefully evaluate the impact of denaturants – substances added to prevent human consumption – on ship engines.

On the critical issue of green attributes and traceability, he acknowledged that while biofuel governance frameworks exist, fraud remains a persistent challenge. He advocated for a “tech agnostic” approach, utilising complementary techniques such as physical tracers and isotope fingerprinting. The goal is to build a credible, verifiable supply chain that supports the industry without imposing additional, unnecessary burdens.

Related: Fuel Contamination Issue – a VPS Update on Challenges & Solutions

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 15 October 2026