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Bunker Fuel

Baltimore bridge collapse: FuelTrust highlights bunkering activities of Singapore-registered “Dali”

Vessel refuelled in Shanghai, followed by Korea, before heading through the Panama Canal to Baltimore; fuel was indeed taken on in Baltimore and fuel in use at time of the incident was MGO.

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MPA: Singapore-registered ship in Baltimore bridge crash passed previous foreign port state inspections

Maritime technology firm FuelTrust on Thursday (28 March) responded to questions regarding Singapore-registered container vessel Dali, which crashed into the Francis Scott Key bridge at the Port of Baltimore, including its bunkering activities before the incident:

The recent incident involving the Dali cargo ship, which lost power and propulsion leaving port and struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge causing its collapse, has brought to light the vital importance of insightful fuel analysis and supply chain visibility.

Over the last 24 hours, we have heard from many ship operators, fuel suppliers, and insurers - all eager that such risks can be alleviated, recognizing that "good enough" on paper doesn't always translate to safety at sea. 

The reality is that a more robust supply chain visibility, along with ship and engine-specific pre-usage analysis is going to be needed – especially as the industry is beginning to experiment with new low-carbon fuels and bioblends.

The Dali is not a client, meaning we don’t have the direct data on the fuel mix in its tanks and engine status, but our visibility to the fuel supply chain provides us some insight into the mishap. While we anticipate sharing more information soon, here's what we've found thus far:

The Dali refuelled in Shanghai, followed by Korea, before heading through the Panama Canal to Baltimore. Our checks reveal no refuelling in Panama, supported by satellite data. In Baltimore, fuel was indeed taken on, but protocols dictate a waiting period for lab test results and additional time for fuel settling before usage. 

The fuel in use at the incident was Marine Gas Oil (DMA), a standard choice worldwide for in-port or environmentally sensitive operations. It met all required specifications by international and national authorities, tested by an ISO certified fuel lab to ISO 8217:2015 standards. Despite meeting test specifications, early indications from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) point to the loss of propulsion and power caused by fuel issues.

We do not yet know if the fuel was procured by the vessel charterer (Maersk) or by the owner (Grace Ocean), or the crew/vessel operator (Synergy Marine). The vessel did have an inspection citation in June of 2023 (in San Antonio, Chile) for issues with certain thermometers and gauges, but was passed for safety at sea use. Maersk has an incredibly robust safety regime, and Synergy has ISO certified crew and safety protocols. 

It is typically the charterer (the company leasing the vessel) responsible for fuel purchases and the fuel supplier’s (seller) assurance of the fuel quality to meet specifications, which the on-board test results appear to have passed. 

Yet, standard tests and certifications do not guarantee fuel performance for every ship in every condition. With a 99% success rate, the remaining 1% harbours extreme risks.

In 2023 alone, over 120 power or propulsion losses at sea were attributed to fuel issues. These often go unnoticed by the public, masked by the swift action of crews at sea, far from the public eye. When they do become visible, unfortunately, it’s usually due to catastrophic impacts such as this, where lives were lost, and likely billions of dollars of economic impact will be felt in the area. 

We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Related: Baltimore bridge crash: Safety investigation to include contaminated bunker fuel as possible cause
Related: MPA: Singapore-registered ship in Baltimore bridge crash passed previous foreign port state inspections

 

Photo credit: Baltimore County Fire Department
Published: 1 April 2024

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Alternative Fuels

Argus Green Marine Fuels Asia eBook released ahead of February bunker conference

eBook features interviews with Microsoft, JERA, IBIA, Anglo American, Sumitomo Corporation, Hafnia, BHP, Global Maritime Forum, DS NORDEN, ADNOC Group, and Standard Chartered Bank.

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Argus Media organises Green Marine Fuels Asia Conference in Singapore

Independent global energy and commodity market intelligence provider Argus Media recently published an eBook as part of a prelude leading towards the Argus Green Marine Fuels Asia Conference on 18 to 19 February in Singapore.

The Pre-conference content: Argus marine fuels Asia eBook features exclusive industry interviews with Microsoft, JERA, IBIA, Anglo American, Sumitomo Corporation, Hafnia, BHP, Global Maritime Forum, DS NORDEN, ADNOC Group, and Standard Chartered Bank.

It offers a peek into their thoughts on infrastructure readiness, the marine fuels shipowners are gravitating towards, LNG decarbonisation pathways, collaboration across the marine fuels value chain, and more.

The eBook is available for download through the image below:

argus media marine fuels asia ebook

The Argus Green Marine Fuels Asia Conference will be held at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594 on 18 to 19 February in Singapore.

Key speakers for the event include Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry & Transformation), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA); Torben Nørgaard, Chief Technology Officer - Energy & Fuels, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center; Jerid Soo, Assistant General Manager (Global Sustainability and ESG), Pacific International Lines; Kazuki Yamaguchi, General Manager and Head, Maritime Energy Solution, Energy Transformation Business Group, Sumitomo Corporation; and Mahua Chakravarty, Editor, Marine Fuels (Asia), Argus.

Related: Argus Media organises Green Marine Fuels Asia Conference in Singapore

 

Photo credit: Argus Media
Published: 17 January, 2024

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Bunker Fuel

TFG Marine, OOMCO form bunker fuel joint venture to supply in Oman ports

TFG-OOMCO will deliver bunker fuels to vessels visiting Oman’s ports of Duqm, Muscat and Sohar and offer customers a reliable and transparent bunkering provider in the Arabian Gulf.

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TFG Marine, OOMCO form bunker fuel joint venture to supply in Oman ports

TFG Marine, the international marine fuel joint venture founded by Trafigura, Frontline and Golden Ocean on Thursday (16 January) said it has established a bunker fuel joint venture with Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) to supply vessels visiting Oman’s ports of Duqm, Muscat and Sohar.

TFG-OOMCO LLC, incorporated in Oman, will combine the local knowledge of OOMCO with the international footprint, sourcing of all grades of marine fuels, infrastructure and logistics capability of TFG Marine, to offer customers a reliable and transparent bunkering provider in the Arabian Gulf.

Tarik Al Junaidi, CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company, said: “This partnership aligns with Oman Oil Marketing Company’s efforts to develop the maritime transport and shipping infrastructure in Oman, which is in alignment with the objectives Oman Vision 2040.”

“It underscores our commitment to meeting the increasing demand of compliant, high-quality marine grades of fuel while adhering to the highest international health, safety, and environmental standards.”

“Through our partnership with TFG Marine, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and the implementation of global best practices in fuel bunkering, we strive to lead towards excellence and sustainability in the bunker fuel business in the Sultanate’s ports.”

Mark Russell, Chief Commercial Officer, TFG Marine, said: “This is TFG Marine’s first venture in the Middle East and we look forward to serving our customers in this region. Oman has a rich history as a maritime nation and is well located close to the main shipping routes connecting the Arabian Gulf and the Indian subcontinent with the rest of the world.”

The announcement follows the signing of an MOU agreement between SOHAR Port and Freezone and TFG Marine, to establish an international bunker fuel supply operation. 

TFG Marine has already deployed bunker vessel Margherita Cosulich to the region to supply vessels at SOHAR’s deep-sea port. The vessel is fitted with a Mass Flow Meter (MFM), calibrated to the ISO 22192 international standard as required by SOHAR Port. SOHAR Port in February 2024 announced a mandate on the alignment of ISO 22192 standards ‘Bunkering of marine fuel using the Coriolis MFM system’ for all marine fuel supply operations within the port.

TFG Marine added it has long been an advocate of the global adoption of calibrated MFMs to bring much-needed transparency to bunkering and encouraging digitalisation in the long-term interests of the bunker industry and helping to further the decarbonisation goals of the shipping industry.

Related: TFG Marine to establish international bunker fuel supply op at SOHAR Port
Related: TFG Marine completes first bunker fuel delivery with “Margherita Cosulich” barge
Related: Metcore signs agreement with SOHAR Port and Freezone for MFM implementation support

 

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 17 January, 2025

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Biofuel

Burando Energies delivers B30 bio bunker fuel to tug “MV Bylgia” in Rotterdam

Firm said it successfully delivered ISCC-certified B30 biofuel blend, derived from renewable feedstocks, to Heerema’s Anchor Handling Tug “MV Bylgia” at Port of Rotterdam.

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Burando Energies delivers B30 bio bunker fuel to tug “MV Bylgia” in Rotterdam

Burando Energies on Thursday (16 January) announced it successfully delivered ISCC-certified biofuel to Heerema’s Anchor Handling Tug MV Bylgia at the Port of Rotterdam.

The delivered B30 biofuel blend, derived from renewable feedstocks, will help reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 25% (well-to-wake)—an impactful move in Heerema’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

“This delivery not only reflects our commitment to offering sustainable energy solutions but also strengthens our partnership with Heerema in their green ambitions,” said Duncan Huisman, Sustainable Bunker Trader at Burando Energies. 

“We are proud to contribute to initiatives that prioritise the well-being of our planet and future generations.”

Burando Energies said it will continue to focus on innovation and sustainability, striving to provide energy solutions that drive both environmental progress and business success.

 

Photo credit: Burando Energies
Published: 17 January, 2025

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