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Bunker flash: High levels of chemical compounds found in Singapore, alerts Maritec-Naias

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Seven cases were reported to have found Alkylresorcinols in the range of 3000 – 17000 PPM and six cases reported to have found various Phenolic compounds in the range of 2000 – 3000 PPM level.
Louis Reed from Unsplash

Bunker fuel testing and marine surveying business Maritec-Naias on Friday (13 March) issued an alert regarding high levels of chemical compounds found in multiple fuel oil bunker samples from vessels that have taken fuel/bunkered in Singapore over the last few months:

During the last few months Maritec-Naias has tested multiple fuel oil bunker samples from vessels that have taken fuel/bunkered in Singapore, which showed the presence of high levels of chemical compounds. Seven cases were reported to have found Alkylresorcinols in the range of 3000 – 17000 PPM and six cases reported to have found various Phenolic compounds in the range of 2000 – 3000 PPM level.

The presence of Phenol and Alkylresorcinol in bunker fuel can increase acidity and reduce stability of the fuel. As a possible outcome of these characteristics, a few vessels reported to have encountered operational challenges, which included instances of piston ring breakage, excessive sludge formation in purifiers and excessive wear-and-tear of fuel pumps. All the fuels tested were 0.5% VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oils).

Image 1: True picture received from vessel of sludge caused by Alkylresorcinols
Image 1: True picture received from vessel of sludge caused by Alkylresorcinols

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) testing by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) method showed the presence of Alkylresorcinols and GC-MS D7845 testing found various Phenolic compounds in bunker fuel samples. The possible source of the Alkylresorcinols might be non-petroleum cutter stock like Estonian shale oil.

Due to the high levels of these chemical compounds the fuel does not meet the general requirement and is considered as off-spec fuel as per clause 5 of ISO8217 and MARPOL Annex VI regulation 18, which states:

“The fuels shall be homogeneous blends of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining. This shall not preclude the incorporation of small amounts of additives intended to improve some aspects of performance.”

The fuels shall be free from inorganic acids and from used lubricating oils. The fuel should not include any added substance or chemical waste which,

  • jeopardizes the safety of ships or adversely affects the performance of the machinery; or
  • is harmful to personnel; or
  • contributes overall to additional air pollution.”

MARITEC-NAIAS RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Closely observe the vessel fuel system/s for signs of filter clogging and purifier sludging and additionally, increase vigilance on the centrifuges to monitor overloading.
  • Increase frequency of their de-sludging cycle depending on the accumulated sludge.
  • Possibly reduce the mean time between bowl cleaning of the purifier and fuel system filters.
  • Avoid blending with other fuels, in particular marine diesel and gas oil and also other fuel oil as such mixing may well increase the sediment problem.
  • Maritec-Naias recommends carrying out Marine Fuel testing Programme (MFTP) PLUS package for all residual bunker fuel. This package includes ISO8217, GC-MS and P-value testing.

Maritec-Naias states, while all presented findings are true, this document, does not reflect on the overall quality of fuel being supplied in the Singapore region.

 

Photo credit: Louis Reed from Unsplash / Maritec-Naias
Published: 16 March, 2026

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