Connect with us

Business

Bunker Flash: Update on chemical contaminants in fuels from ARA Region

Several VLSFOs delivered in this region are still observed with presence of chemical contaminants, indicating elevated potassium content and acid number.

Admin

Published

on

Maritec logo

Marine fuel testing and marine surveying business Maritec Pte Ltd (CTI-Maritec) on Wednesday (27 July) issued an updated alert on the continued presence of chemical contaminants in ARA region bunkers, which are elevated potassium content and acid number.

Issued on 27 July, 2022

Since the last alert (BF202207-01) dated on 5 July 2022 on Chemical Contaminants in Fuels from ARA Region (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Antwerp), CTI-Maritec has kept a close watch on the fuel quality in the region. More recently, several VLSFOs delivered in this region are still observed with the presence of chemical contaminants. These VLSFOs also indicated elevated potassium content and acid number.

Forensic analysis by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry techniques, specifically ASTM D7845 GC/MS and Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) GC/MS, on some of the samples revealed the presence of the following compound groups at abnormally high concentrations:

  • Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides (>1000ppm)
  • Alkylresorcinols (>2000ppm)
  • Phenolic compounds (>1000ppm)

It is difficult to determine a safe concentration level suitable for marine diesel engine usage or the baseline wherein machinery problems may occur. Due to the severity of the machinery problems faced, we urge vessel operators to continue pre-emptively testing the fuels bunkered in the region by accredited test methods to detect these contaminants assessing the risk each bunker stem has on the vessel machinery.

Recommendation by CTI-Maritec:

  1. Obtain quality assurance and test proof from suppliers on the absence of contaminants in the intended stem prior bunker delivery (This will require testing beyond the scope of standard ASTM D7845-20 test method)
  2. Plan your bunkers well in advance to keep the incoming fuel segregated and reduce the risk of comingling.
  3. Ensure sampling procedure during bunkering is witnessed by both supplier and receiver and sample bottles are counter-sealed and same recorded in the Bunker Delivery Note.
  4. Be aware of your bunker supply contract and the notification time limit stipulated to flag potentially problematic fuels to the supplier.
  5. Look for signs of abnormally high potassium content (>110ppm) and/or high total acid number (>1.5mgkoh/g) and pre-emptively analyze the bunker fuel by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) that can reveal the presence of undesirable compounds in the fuel thus safeguarding vessel operations.
  6. Where chemical compounds have been detected, gather sufficient evidence to support further investigation. Proceed to conduct joint analysis in agreement with the supplier by an independent laboratory capable of detecting the compounds to determine the compliance with ISO8217 clause 5 – General Requirements.

This document however does not reflect on the overall quality of fuel being supplied at ARA region.

Related: Bunker Flash: Chemical contaminants in fuels from ARA Region

 

Photo credit and source: CTI-Maritec
Published: 28 July, 2022

Continue Reading

LNG Bunkering

Singapore: MPA launches EOI to expand LNG bunkering services amid growing demand

MPA is seeking proposals to explore scalable solutions for sea-based LNG reloading to complement existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and e/bio-methane supply as a marine fuel.

Admin

Published

on

By

RESIZED SG bunker tanker

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to explore scalable solutions for sea-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) reloading to complement the existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and the supply of e/bio-methane as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore.

MPA said LNG bunkering in Singapore has grown from 16,000 tonnes delivered in 2022 to over 385,000 tonnes delivered from January to October 2024. 

According to the EOI, demand for LNG bunkering is expected to grow further with a growing global fleet of LNG dual-fuelled vessels and competitive LNG bunker prices. 

“The EOI seeks to gather proposals on three areas: to scale up sea-based reloading operations, including ship-to-bunker barge LNG operations; to facilitate the supply of LNG alternatives such as liquefied bio-methane; and to develop floating platform concepts to enhance bunkering safety and efficiency,” MPA added.

“The EOI proposals should also include mitigation measures to address the issue of methane slip on a well-to-wake basis.”

Participants in the EOI do not need to be an existing LNG bunkering licensee. Participants are required to propose models for operationalising sea-based LNG reloading starting from 2025. Participants selected will be required to conduct trials in Singapore to validate the proposed solution’s operational feasibility and safety. 

“Insights gained from the EOI and trials will inform MPA’s review of the LNG licensing framework, including enhancements to supply to better serve the industry’s bunkering needs,” it said. 

Note: Interested parties can visit the MPA website for details and submission guidelines. Proposals must be submitted by 28 February 2025, 1pm (Singapore time).

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 13 December, 2024

Continue Reading

Events

Malaysia: 12th PorTech Asia Summit to bring together leaders in port industry

Event, which will be held on 9 to 10 January, will tackle important topics in the port industry including challenges and opportunities for Asian Port Industry as well as sustainable green development of ports.

Admin

Published

on

By

Malaysia: 12th PorTech Asia Summit to bring together leaders in port industry

The 12th PorTech Asia Summit is now just one month away, with doors opening at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 9 to 10 of January. 

The summit is organised and hosted by Shine Consultant and co-organised by ASEAN Ports Association (APA). 

Themed Smart, Green, Multi-win, the summit will gather leaders and experts in the field of port technology around the world to discuss and promote the innovation and development of the port industry in the digital era.

Some speakers who were invited to share their unique insights and valuable experiences in their respective fields include: 

  • Dato' Monaliza Binti Suhaimi, General Manager, Johor Port Authority
  • YBhg. Dato' Dr. Vijayaindiaran A/LR.Viswalingam, General Manager, Penang Port Commission
  • Uematsu Hisataka, President, Port of Yokohama, Japan
  • Vineet Mahajan, Vice President & Head of Sustainability, DP World APAC
  • Liu Chang Man, Vice President, Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd
  • Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority and Deendayal Port Authority
  • Mazlim Bin Husin, Chief Commercial Officer, Kuantan Port
  • Mohd Khairul Azizat Johari, Head of Facility Management, Johor Port Berhad, Malaysia
  • Budi Cahyono, Vice President Director, PT Jakarta International Container Terminal
  • Eun-kyoung Park, General Manager, Overseas Business Department, Busan Port Authority
  • Ivan Fantin, Vice President, Chief Lean Officer, APM Terminals, Maersk
  • Desmond Ong, Chief Digital Officer, Jurong Port, Singapore

Agenda

Day 1: 9 January

Session 1: Challenges and Opportunities for Asian Port Industry

Session 2: Blending Old and New: Port Construction and Upgrade Projects

Day 2: 10 January 

Session 3 Forum: Efficiency Improvement and Business Innovation Driven by Digital Intelligence 

Session 4  Forum: Green & Safety - Building Sustainable Development Capacity of Ports

Shine Consultant is inviting representatives from government and port authorities, industry associations, port terminal owners, digital solution providers, port machinery and equipment suppliers, research institutions, professional service organizations, and other relevant institutions to attend the summit. 

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with industry leaders and jointly explore the future trends and innovative pathways of the port industry.

Interested parties may contact:

Jenny Wu
Tel: (86 21) 6095 7179
E-mail: [email protected]
Company: Shine Consultant International Ltd.

Or scan QR code to register. Interested parties may also register here.

qr code portech

Related: 12th PorTech Asia Summit to be held in Malaysia from 9 to 10 January

 

Photo credit: Shine Consultant
Published: 13 December, 2024

Continue Reading

LNG Bunkering

Wärtsilä wins LNG systems order for Vitol bunkering newbuild vessel

Firm will supply cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems for a new 12,500 m3 LNG bunkering vessel currently being built at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering shipyard in China.

Admin

Published

on

By

Wärtsilä wins LNG systems order for Vitol bunkering newbuild vessel

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, on Friday (13 December) said it has won a contract to supply Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems for a new 12,500 m3 LNG bunkering vessel.

The vessel is being built at the Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering shipyard in China, for global energy company Vitol.

“Wärtsilä’s ability to engineer, design and deliver a complete system, including the Boil-Off Gas (BOG) management, integrated fuel supply, custody transfer and bunkering transfer systems, was central to the contract award,” Wärtsilä said, adding the order was booked by the company in Q4, 2024. 

Richie Zhu, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, China, said: “LNG is today an important marine fuel and is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for owners and operators seeking more sustainable fuel options. The market for LNG bunkering vessels is increasing in line with this trend, and we have established a leading position in supplying modern and reliable systems that optimise overall cargo handling efficiency for such vessels.”

Manifold Times previously reported Vitol securing three LNG Bunkering Vessels (LNGBV) through its shipping company, Vitol International Shipping Pte Ltd (VIS).

The vessels were secured via a seven to ten year time charter agreement with Avenir LNG Limited (Avenir) and an order for two vessels at the CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co. Ltd shipyard in Nantong, China.

The time charter agreement with Avenir is for one newbuild 20,000 m3 LNGBV. The time charter will commence at delivery from the shipyard in China in Q4 2026 and will serve a period of seven years with options to extend up to ten years in total. 

Vitol also ordered one 12,500 m3 and one 20,000 m3 LNGBV at the CIMC SOE shipyard in China. The vessels will be delivered in Q4 2026 and Q3 2027 respectively.

Related: Vitol secures LNG bunker vessel trio with time charter deal and newbuilding order

 

Photo credit: Wärtsilä
Published: 13 December, 2024

Continue Reading
Advertisement
  • SBF2
  • Consort advertisement v2
  • v4Helmsman Gif Banner 01
  • Aderco advert 400x330 1
  • EMF banner 400x330 slogan
  • RE 05 Lighthouse GIF

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

  • Triton Bunkering advertisement v2
  • SEAOIL 3+5 GIF
  • HL 2022 adv v1
  • 102Meth Logo GIF copy
  • Singfar advertisement final


  • Mokara Final
  • Trillion Energy
  • Kenoil
  • CNC Logo Rev Manifold Times
  • endress
  • PSP Marine logo
  • Auramarine 01
  • Synergy Asia Bunkering logo MT
  • Uni Fuels oct 2024 ad
  • E Marine logo
  • Advert Shipping Manifold resized1
  • Headway Manifold
  • 400x330 v2 copy
  • VPS 2021 advertisement

Trending