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Auramarine: VLSFO fuel quality; is the worst yet to come?

Ship owners and operators must therefore remain diligent in 2021 and maintain awareness of the ever evolving and volatile marine fuel market.
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Teemu Jutila MT

Teemu Jutila, Director, Engineering and Products, at Finland-based fuel supply systems solutions provider Auramarine on Tuesday (27 April) provided Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times an article focusing on the rapidly transforming marine fuels market and its future challenges.

In 2019, the shipping industry was facing somewhat different pressures than what it faces today. With IMO 2020 on the horizon, the industry was waiting with nervous anticipation to see the impact of the new regulation. Some predicted momentous disruption – from the availability, and cost of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), to the price spread for heavy fuel oil (HFO) and scrubbers – the debate around the most economically and environmentally viable compliant solution was in full force. We can now look back in confidence and say, whether it be due to preparedness from certain quarters, or low oil prices which diluted the cost of VLSFO, that the transition was, for the most part, smooth.

The quality of new VLSFO products were also an initial concern. In particular, the variable and wide-ranging viscosities, densities, as well as their other unknown properties, which could result in costly damage to fuel supply systems, and in worst case scenarios, engine failure. However, with ship owners and operators increasing their level of due diligence and seeking expert counsel in relation to newer fuels, major quality issues were mainly avoided.

Whilst all appears to have worked most favourably at present, a number of industry opinion formers believe that despite this current increase in quality and standards, ship owners and operators must be aware that this is only an initial phase of the IMO 2020 challenge. Indeed, once the world begins to recover from the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is entirely possible that the price development and increasing demand for high quality fuels in other industries may result in a decreased availability of such fuels in the marine pool, as well as wider variations in fuel qualities across blends. This therefore leaves us with the question of whether the maritime industry will have to manage the risks that come with introducing lower quality fuels to a vessel’s fuel supply systems.

Ultimately, the introduction of low-quality fuel to a vessel’s fuel supply system can cause more frequent service intervals than typically required, as well as an increased need for daily maintenance. This can lead to higher operating costs for the ship owner or operator and, in worst case scenarios, issues such as engine failure. Ship owners and operators must therefore remain diligent in 2021 and maintain awareness of the ever evolving and volatile marine fuel market.

This means that to stay one step ahead of the curve, owners and operators need to continue to engage and consult with experts and seek counsel on the implementation of fuel supply systems, modernisations, and upgrades. This is especially important with the existing global fleet set to be in operation for many years. From the perspective of the vessel’s fuel supply systems, this is about looking at the whole lifecycle of the asset, focusing on the total cost of ownership, rather than just a commoditised, granular focus on the initial installation and price.

With this in mind, our LifeCycle services team provide in-depth counsel and advice to our customers to ensure the safeguarding of their systems throughout the vessel’s lifecycle. This includes implementing an integrated and strategic approach to managing spare parts to repair, modernise, and upgrade systems and components to always ensure operational continuity, and reduced downtime, whatever the market conditions.

The reality is that the marine fuel market is rapidly transforming. The last year has been unparalleled with the impact of the global pandemic and economic consequences diluting the effect of IMO 2020.  In conjunction with this, the industry pivot towards decarbonisation is also transforming and evolving the marine energy supply chain.  Ship owners and operators can therefore not afford to stand still, rest easy or operate with a false sense of security. The challenges that lie ahead must be met with joint collaboration in order to futureproof operations and ensure that the efficient, safe, cost-effective and compliant movement of vessels are always preserved.


Photo credit: Auramarine
Published: 27 April, 2021

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Environment

Indonesia to expedite removal of sunken Malaysia-flagged tanker “Silver Sincere”

Vessel sank while carrying about 1,000 mt of waste oil on 12 January 2025; the wreck was discovered in March 2025 and was found to have drifted about 13 nautical miles from its original sinking site.

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Indonesia to expedite removal of sunken Malaysia-flagged tanker “Silver Sincere”

Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs on Tuesday (14 July) held a cross-agency coordination meeting to expedite efforts in handling the Malaysian-flagged tanker Silver Sincere that sank off Bintan Regency, Riau Islands.

The vessel sank while carrying about 1,000 metric tonnes (mt) of waste oil on 12 January 2025. 

According to authorities, the ship sank within Indonesian waters. After several surveys, the wreck was finally discovered in March 2025 and it was found to have shifted approximately 13 nautical miles from the initial sinking location.

The meeting was aimed to align cross-ministerial and institutional measures to expedite the handling of the Silver Sincere wreck while minimising risks to shipping safety, the marine environment, and national interests.

Deputy for Coordination of State Defense and National Unity Purwito Hadi Wardhono emphasised that the handling of the impact of the Silver Sincere sinking was the first case to be comprehensively coordinated, serving as a model for handling foreign vessels sinking within Indonesian jurisdiction.

Through this cross-sectoral coordination, the government will establish a clear and measurable framework that can serve as a reference for resolving similar cases in the future, while minimising state losses due to environmental pollution, damage to underwater ecosystems and infrastructure, and disruption to shipping lanes.

“The most important thing is to immediately stop and prevent the negative impacts of this ship sinking,” Purwito said.

“Therefore, a coordinating role is crucial, as maritime security governance involves various ministries and institutions with varying authorities, allowing for faster, more integrated, and more effective response,” he said. 

He added that the Silver Sincere was a Malaysian-flagged vessel that sank within Indonesian jurisdiction, and therefore, all handling processes must comply with the provisions of Indonesian laws and regulations.

In the meeting, Prof. Eko Ganis Sukoharsono, representing the SAE Energy Consulting Team, presented the results of an analysis based on 14 observation periods using Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery. 

The analysis results showed strong indications of a waste oil spill that has resulted in marine pollution, damage to the seabed due to shifting shipwrecks, disruption of coastal ecosystems and fishing grounds, and potentially threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities around the Riau Islands. 

Purwito added these findings further emphasise the importance of accelerating the removal of the shipwrecks to prevent widespread environmental impacts, maintain shipping safety, and avoid the potential for greater state losses.

The meeting brought together representatives of related ministries and institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry of Environment, Attorney General’s Office.  

Related: MPA: Malaysia-registered tanker “Silver Sincere” sinks off Pedra Branca

 

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Julian T
Published: 20 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

Singapore: FueLNG achieves 800th LNG bunkering operation milestone

Bunker tanker “FUELNG Venosa” delivered LNG marine fuel to bulk carrier “MV Ubuntu Humanity” at Eastern Bunkering A Anchorage (AEBA) on 11 July.

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Singapore: FueLNG completes 800th LNG bunkering operation

Singapore’s licensed LNG bunker supplier FueLNG on Friday (17 July) announced the successful completion of its 800th LNG bunkering operation in the republic.

The company said bunker tanker FUELNG Venosa delivered LNG marine fuel to bulk carrier MV Ubuntu Humanity at Eastern Bunkering A Anchorage (AEBA) on 11 July. 

“This achievement is more than just a number,” FueLNG said.

“It reflects the trust our customers place in us, the dedication of our operations team, the professionalism of our marine partners, and our unwavering commitment to safe, efficient, and reliable bunker deliveries.” 

Manifold Times previously reported FueLNG completing its 500th LNG ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation.

Related: Singapore: FueLNG achieves milestone of 500th STS LNG bunkering operation

 

Photo credit: FueLNG
Published: 20 July, 2026

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Methanol

Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 mt annually.

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Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Ship design and engineering service provider Western Baltic Engineering on Thursday (16 July) showcased its latest concept design for a green methanol bunkering vessel, developed for the operational needs of the Port of Klaipėda.

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) annually. 

“It is Western Baltic Engineering’s first concept dedicated exclusively to green methanol bunkering, expanding our portfolio of alternative-fuel vessel solutions,” the company said in a social media post.

“Building on our experience in methanol-ready vessel design, it reflects our continued focus on enabling the industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.”

“As the maritime sector evolves, engineering companies have a responsibility not only to respond to market needs but also to anticipate future challenges,” said Marius Arkusauskas, Director at Western Baltic Engineering.

“By exploring emerging technologies and alternative fuel applications, we help our partners prepare for the next generation of maritime operations while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

 

Photo credit: Western Baltic Engineering
Published: 20 July, 2026

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