A variety of issues, including elevated total sediment potential, were seen from bunker samples at Singapore port.
Bunker congestion at major Mediterranean ports could continue well into 2020 over availability, says analyst.
Eurofins shares rule of thumb to determine ‘new generation’ or ‘traditional’ bunker blends and highlights potential hydrowax entering local bunker stream.
Using such fuels can result in highly compromised combustion leading to engine and turbocharger damage.
Historic evidence of causing problems due to sludging, particularly during purification and around filters.
Majority of these fuels have been VLSFO and ULSFO fuels which has higher risk of issues with instability.
Singapore, Rotterdam and Antwerp saw most number of off-spec cases during 2H November show report.
Labs now ready to provide additional test to help set an optimum fuel temperature for low viscosity fuels.
‘The situation now is fuels can have contaminants, but are also still “fit for purpose”,’ says Ara Barsamian, CEO of Refinery Automation Institute.
‘Most marine fuels will contain extraneous materials of some type or another’ Douglas Raitt shares.
