Bunker Fuel

Bureau Veritas: VeriFuel publishes overview of Q2 2026 global bunker fuel quality

Elevated Al+Si levels in VLSFO 0.50% continue to be observed in ports such as Port Klang and Singapore, while sediment-related concerns were identified in several European locations.

Published

1 hour ago

July 28, 2026

Admin

Bureau Veritas: VeriFuel Fuel Quality Testing Annual Report 2024

French testing, inspection and certification firm Bureau Veritas recently provided Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times a copy of its VeriFuel Fuel Quality Testing Q2 2026 Report which provides an overview of marine fuel quality, emerging trends, and compliance levels based on all tested bunker samples across its laboratories. The following is an overview of the report:

VLSFO

Global Quarterly Averages

Global VLSFO quality indicators in Q2 2026 remain stable. Viscosity, density and cat fines have slightly increased compared to Q1 2026. The overall off-spec rate increased slightly to 1.5%, although still remaining within historical norms.

Global Monthly Averages

Monthly data for Q2 2026 show relatively limited variability across all key parameters. Viscosity increased progressively from April to June, while sulphur and sediment levels remained stable. Off-spec incidence declined throughout the quarter, suggesting an improvement in regards to ISO.

Global Quarterly Pour Point Distribution

The pour point distribution in Q2 2026 remains largely consistent with previous quarters. Majority of samples continue to fall within low temperature ranges (≤ 21 °C) while cases at or slightly above limit are very limited.

Global Quarterly Out-of-Spec Parameters

Sulphur, water, sediments and cat fines continue to represent the primary causes of VLSFO non-compliance in Q2 2026 while the ratio of all properties have increased compacted to Q1 2026.

VLSFO 0.50% Port Averages

Regional variations remain evident across fuel properties. Elevated Al+Si levels continue to be observed in ports such as Port Klang and Singapore, while sediment-related concerns were identified in several European locations. Sulphur remains the most commonly reported cause of non-compliance across major bunkering hubs.

Screenshot 2026 07 28 at 1.27.27 PM

Screenshot 2026 07 28 at 1.27.41 PM

Sediments by Quarter

The percentage of fuels exceeding the sediment threshold (≥0.07% m/m) increased compared to Q1 2026. While most fuels remain within ISO 8217 limits, the rising trend highlights the continued importance of good housekeeping and management on board vessels. Most notable increase is observed in Gothenburg and Skagen.

Cat Fines (Al+Si) by Quarter

The proportion of VLSFO samples containing elevated cat fines increased slightly during Q2 2026. Although most fuels remain compliant with ISO 8217 limits, proper treatment on board remain a critical aspect in order to meet engine manufacturer recommendation of max 10 mg/kg at engine inlet.

Acid Number by Quarter

Acid number levels in Q2 2026 remain generally stable and well below the 1.2 mg KOH/g threshold for the majority of samples. However, isolated ports continue to report elevated average acid numbers, particularly in Singapore and Zhoushan, warranting ongoing monitoring of blend composition and feedstock sources.

HSFO

Global Quarterly Averages

HSFO quality indicators in Q2 2026 remained generally stable. Sulphur content continued its downward trend and density declined slightly, while cat fines increased. The overall off-spec rate increased significantly to 2.4%, representing the highest level observed since early 2024 and indicating a deterioration in overall conformity.

Screenshot 2026 07 28 at 2.14.21 PM

Global Monthly Averages

Monthly trends during Q2 2026 show limited parameter variability, with sulphur decreasing steadily from April through June. Off-spec frequency increased sharply after April and remained elevated during May and June, suggesting persistent quality challenges during the quarter.

Screenshot 2026 07 28 at 2.14.10 PM

Global Quarterly Out-of-Spec Parameters

Water, density, sediments and viscosity remain the leading contributors to HSFO non-compliance in Q2 2026. Compared with previous quarters, water is noted as the leader cause of ISO8217 non-compliance followed by sediments.

HSFO 0.50% Port Averages

Significant regional variability continues to be observed in fuel properties. Several ports such as New Orleans, Houston, Balboa and Algeciras reported average Al+Si levels approaching or exceeding 36 mg/kg. Water and sediment lead as the most frequent non-compliant properties across most locations.

Sediments by Quarter

The proportion of HSFO samples exceeding the sediment threshold (≥0.07% m/m) increased further during Q2 2026 compared with both Q1 2026 and the corresponding quarters of 2025. The rising trend highlights the continued importance of good housekeeping and management on board vessels.

Cat Fines (Al+Si) by Quarter

The proportion of HSFO samples containing elevated cat fines increased slightly during Q2 2026. Although most fuels remain compliant with ISO 8217 limits, proper treatment on board remain a critical aspect in order to meet engine manufacturer recommendation of max 10 mg/kg at engine inlet. Most notable increase was observed in Damietta, Houston and New Orleans ports.

Acid Number by Quarter

Acid number above 1.2 mg KOH/g remain concentrated in a limited number of regions. ARA, Singapore and Zhoushan are the most notable for which some extra attention is required especially related to the fuel composition and nature of acids origin in the fuel.

Screenshot 2026 07 28 at 2.12.03 PM

DMA

Global Quarterly Averages

Global DMA quality indicators in Q2 2026 remained stable. Viscosity increased slightly compared with Q1 2026, while sulphur content declined and cetane index remained unchanged. The overall off-spec rate slightly improved to 2.4 compared to previous quarters.

Global Monthly Averages

Monthly averages for Q2 2026 demonstrate limited variation across fuel properties. Off-spec frequency remained relatively moderate with no clear upward or downward trend throughout the quarter.

Global Quarterly Out-of-Spec Parameters

Appearance usually combined with water as well as pour point and sulphur remain the principal contributors to DMA non-compliance in Q2 2026. Based on individual values the Pour Point and Sulphur are considered of higher importance compared to water content.

DMA 0.10% Port Averages

Substantial regional differences remain evident across regions. Water continues to be the most frequently reported cause of non-compliance across several major bunkering locations, while isolated cases of viscosity, sulphur and pour point related non-conformities persist.

CFPP by Quarter

The proportion of DMA samples with CFPP values exceeding 6°C increased slightly during Q2 2026. This reflects seasonal and regional supply effects and emphasizes the importance of selecting fuels appropriate for the expected operating regions.

Pour Point by Quarter

Pour point exceedances above 0°C remain present in Q2 2026 and show a slight increase compared with Q1 2026. Although cases are limited, operators should continue considering ambient conditions when planning fuel procurement.

Water by Quarter

The proportion of DMA samples containing water in excess of 300 mg/kg remained a recurring concern in Q2 2026. Water-related non-compliance continues to be mainly associated with European and Mediterranean supply locations, reinforcing the importance of good storage, transfer and housekeeping practices. At least positive remain the fact that operational issues due to water presence remain limited.

Photo credit: Bureau Veritas
Published: 28 July, 2026

Up Next

IBIA: Shale oil presence alone do not indicate bunker fuel non-compliance

Don't Miss

Conrad Shipyard and SHI secure ABS AiP for LNG bunkering vessel design

Financial Result

World Kinect marine fuels segment posts highest-ever quarterly gross profit in Q2 2026

Sharp rise was primarily driven by higher profit contribution from the firm’s core resale business and certain physical locations, which benefited from increased bunker fuel prices and elevated market volatility.

Published

1 hour ago

July 28, 2026

Admin

World Kinect marine fuels segment posts highest-ever quarterly gross profit in Q2 2026

New York-listed global energy management company World Kinect Corporation recently announced that it recorded a 57% on year increase in gross profit for the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.

The company posted gross profit of USD 365 million in Q2 2026, higher than gross profit of USD 232 million seen during Q2 2025.

Revenue for its combined aviation, land and marine segments in Q2 2026 was USD 13.6 billion, a 50.4% increase from revenue of USD 9.04 billion in Q2 2025.

Specifically, the marine segment generated gross profit of USD 79.7 million in Q2 2026, up by 195% on year from USD 27 million in Q2 2026.

The company noted that this was the highest quarterly gross profit in the history of the segment.

This was primarily driven by higher profit contribution from the company’s core resale business and certain physical locations, which benefited from increased bunker fuel prices and elevated market volatility.

In total, WKC sold 3.5 million metric tonnes (mt) of bunker fuel during Q2 2026, down by 10% from 3.9 million mt of marine fuels during the similar period of last year.

According to the earnings call transcript for Q2 2026, Mike Tejada, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said marine volume was down 10% year-over-year, driven principally by lower demand tied to the Middle East conflict.

“Despite the lower volume, marine gross profit increased almost three times the prior year level to $80 million, the highest quarterly gross profit in the history of the segment,” he said.

“Both the core resale business and certain physical supply locations were meaningfully higher year-over-year, benefiting from elevated bunker fuel prices, increased volatility, and disciplined yield management.

“The year-over-year comparison also benefited from a particularly low second quarter last year when the global tariff disruption weighed on trade flows and customer demand. Looking to the third quarter and considering our July activity to date, we expect marine gross profit to be up year-over-year, reflecting continued momentum in the business.”

Ira M. Birns, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Aviation and marine each delivered record quarterly gross profit, supported by favorable market conditions, including continued volatility associated with the conflict in the Middle East.

“During periods of disruption, customers place an even greater premium on certainty of supply, operational execution, and trusted relationships. That is where our supplier relationships, local market knowledge, and global platform become especially valuable.”

Photo credit: World Kinect Corporation
Published: 28 July, 2026

Bunker Fuel Quality

IBIA: Shale oil presence alone do not indicate bunker fuel non-compliance

IBIA says available evidence does not establish a direct causal relationship between the presence of shale oil and the operational issues reported.

Published

1 hour ago

July 28, 2026

Admin

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Monday (27 July) said it is aware of recent reports highlighting operational issues observed in connection with certain residual marine fuels containing components which may indicate the presence of shale oil.

IBIA said its Technical Working Group has reviewed the information currently available and noted that, while these reports raise legitimate questions that warrant further investigation, the available evidence does not establish a direct causal relationship between the presence of these compounds and the operational issues reported.

“Shale oil-derived hydrocarbons are a permitted feedstock under ISO 8217. Their presence alone should not be regarded as evidence of fuel quality deficiencies or non-compliance,” IBIA said in a statement.

“The relevant consideration is whether the finished fuel, as delivered, meets the requirements of ISO 8217, including the provisions relating to fuel composition and operational fitness for use.

“The reported cases nevertheless reinforce the importance of understanding how increasingly complex marine fuel blends perform in practice.”

Manifold Times previously reported Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis (FOBAS) stating that tests on several fuels from Singapore identified a chemical fingerprint consistent with Estonian shale oil, while vessels using these fuels reported operational issues.

Marine fuels testing company VPS reported it has seen an increase in the levels of shale oil components in marine fuels bunkered recently in Singapore

As the industry continues to diversify feedstocks and blend components, greater transparency, traceability, IBIA said quality assurance and information sharing across the supply chain will become increasingly important.

“IBIA supports further technical investigation, industry collaboration and data sharing to improve understanding of fuel behavior and operational performance. Such work will help ensure confidence in marine fuel quality while supporting the safe, reliable and efficient operation of ships,” it added.

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 28 July, 2026

LNG Bunkering

Conrad Shipyard and SHI secure ABS AiP for LNG bunkering vessel design

Both companies received an AiP from the American Bureau of Shipping for the design of a 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering articulated tug and barge, intended for construction in the United States.

Published

2 hours ago

July 28, 2026

Admin

Conrad Shipyard and SHI secure ABS AiP for LNG bunkering vessel design

US-based Conrad Shipyard recently announced the joint receipt of an Approval in Principle (AiP) with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design of a 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering articulated tug and barge (ATB).

The achievement was announced as part of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC) opening event attended by government and industry representatives from both the United States and Korea on 23 July.

Conrad Shipyard said the AiP reflects the successful development of a vessel concept intended for construction in the United States and builds upon the cooperation framework established between Conrad and Samsung Heavy Industries for LNG bunkering vessel development.

“This achievement reflects Conrad’s commitment to combining proven shipbuilding expertise with innovative engineering and strong strategic partnerships,” said Cecil Hernandez, President and CEO of Conrad Shipyard.

“By collaborating with global technology leaders while building capability here in the United States, we continue to strengthen American shipbuilding and advance practical solutions for the evolving needs of the maritime industry.”

Photo credit: Conrad Shipyard
Published: 28 July, 2026