All Analysis News
Is the gradual rise in Off-Spec VLSFO due to Sulfur content, avoidable?
The number of off-spec VLSFOs due to sulfur dwarfs other causes, but it doesn’t seem logical to prepare a fuel that is only slightly off-spec, notes Francisco Malta.
Oct 21 2020
SIBCON 2020: Executive summary of the world’s top bunkering event hosted ‘in a very special year’
Event welcomed over 1,100 attendees from 42 countries; delegates visited virtual booths about 4,800 times; while around 5,800 connections were made, according to data from organiser Informa.
Oct 20 2020
Infineum explains: The ability of additives to ‘save’ off-spec VLSFO bunkers depends on these factors
‘We still see circumstances where a product is ‘off-spec’ and the holder of the fuel is then trying to move it back ‘on-spec’ through the use of appropriate additive technology,’ says spokesman.
Oct 08 2020
SIBCON 2020: VPS proposes mandate of latest bunker fuel quality standards for Singapore market
Captain Rahul Choudhuri, Managing Director AMEA at VPS, suggests a ban on the obsolete marine fuel quality standards of ISO 8217:2005 and 2012 which no longer apply to the shipping sector.
Oct 08 2020
Infineum explains: ISO 8217:2017 should be viewed as a ‘minimum performance benchmark’ for VLSFOs
‘The current specifications were developed for the high sulphur bunker fuels of the past and do not yet necessarily address performance issues with the newer VLSFOs and/or ULSFOs,’ says spokesman.
Oct 05 2020
VPS: Shipowners face ‘tricky situation’ to balance VLSFO shelf life and wax appearance temperature
‘Generally, you have to heat VLSFOs to prevent waxing, but the more you heat them the lower the shelf life is going to be,’ Dr Malcolm Cooper, the Group Managing Director of VPS, tells Manifold Times.
Sep 29 2020
VPS: Big data analysis reveals link between Covid-19 and spike in low flashpoint MGO off-spec cases
Current low prices for road and aviation fuels in September could mean another increase of flashpoint off-spec cases for MGO when players start introducing the products back into the bunker stream.
Sep 23 2020
FOBAS Alert: Low Flash Point Distillate Marine Fuel Oil in Antwerp
Ships bunkered with low flash point fuels are recommended to seek further advice from the respective classification society, flag state, and insurance underwriters.
May 15 2020
Gasum: High fuel oil stock levels pose a challenge for IMO 2020 compliant bunker fuels
‘Prices in this week’s European gas markets are likely to be supported by lower temperatures across the continent and easing lockdowns across Europe,’ says analyst.
May 13 2020
Integr8 Fuels: We are off recent price lows, but still premature to signal rising market
Analysing a diverse range of data predicting diminishing losses at varying paces, Integr8 Fuels says it is likely VLSFO prices will remain below $300/ton for the next 12 months.
May 13 2020
BIMCO: The collapse of the oil and bunker fuel markets in early 2020
‘The depth of the coronavirus crisis and the shape of any potential recovery will ultimately determine how the oil and bunker prices develop in the coming months,’ it says.
May 08 2020
VPS, Maersk Line and SDE International discuss first 100 days of IMO 2020 at ICS webinar
Panellists covered several marine fuel related topics including bunker fuel quality testing, COVID-2019, and long term storage of VLSFOs experienced during the first 100-day period.
May 06 2020
JLC China Bunker Oil Market Monthly Report (Mar, 2020)
China’s demand for bonded bunker fuel in March totalled 500,000 mt, showing an increase due to seasonal demand and effective control of the COVID-19 virus, says JLC.
Apr 14 2020
Viswa Lab report links incorrect usage of lube oil to excessive engine liner wear
‘Excessive liner wear while using the new VLSFO fuels’ analysed 12 cases of abnormal engine cylinder liner wear out of over 20,000 tested VLSFO bunker samples.
Mar 26 2020
PMI Trading responds to Nustar Energy over alleged off-spec bunker fuel supply at Houston
Seeks to enforce either arbitration clause under contract or to dismiss NuStar and TPP respective liability claims, according to documents obtained by Manifold Times.
Mar 24 2020
Eurofins: Shipowners and Crew ‘most vulnerable’ in complex bunker fuel supply ‘deadlock’
‘There is no solution on the horizon until a statistical study and scientific consensus is reached clearly about Deleterious Materials,’ states Technical Sales Manager.
Feb 21 2020
VPS highlights significance of recording Bunker Delivery Note seal numbers
Focuses on the lack of awareness on the importance of recording BDN seal numbers – which protects buyers and sellers in the event of a quality dispute.
Feb 18 2020
FOBAS ALERT: Elevated sediment fuels from Balboa
Samples supposed to be ISO-F-RMG380 grade exceeded total sediment limit of 0.1% outlined by ISO 8217 – indicating the fuel to be unstable.
Feb 11 2020
FOBAS Alert: Elevated sediment fuels from Rotterdam
Recommends ships to obtain additional reassurance suppliers adhere to the ISO 8217 requirements when bunkering in Rotterdam.
Feb 04 2020
FOBAS Alert: Elevated sediment fuels from Greek ports
Unstable fuels caused by high sediments will result in excessive sludge deposition in fuel handling and treatment systems.
Feb 03 2020
Argus Media: Sediment rates high in Americas bunkers, says Lloyd’s Register
9% of low sulphur fuel samples in the Americas analysed between 1 December to 13 January found to be off spec for issues, including engine-damaging sediment, says FOBAS.
Jan 28 2020
