The following notice was written by the Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) informing of suspect contaminated bunker fuel samples from the Singapore bunker market:
FOBAS is currently investigating a number of samples bunkered in Singapore, which were ordered as ISO-F-RMG380 grade and met specification for table 2 of ISO 8217. However, during the use of these fuels, vessels have reported various problems such as seizing and damage of fuel pumps and excessive sludging and filter blocking.
Many of the suspect fuel samples are still undergoing extended FTIR/GCMS analysis. However, initial findings show that there are few similarities in the results with the recent cases of problematic cases from US Gulf and Panama. GCMS analysis on suspect fuels revealed presence of fatty acids (carboxylic acids), phenols and nitrogen containing compounds.
The presence of these contaminants in a fuel are a cause for concern and as mentioned in both MARPOL Annex VI regulation 18.3 and ISO 8217, Clause 5, no material should be present in the fuel at a concentration that is harmful to personnel, jeopardizes the safety of the ship, or adversely affects the performance of the machinery.
In view of the above, if your ships are planning to bunker in that region, we recommend that suppliers are advised of your concerns regarding the quality of the fuel in the area. Suppliers should also be reminded about the expectation as per ISO 8217: 2010/2012/2017 (Annex B – Deleterious material), to have in place an adequate quality assurance and management of change procedure from the refinery, fuel terminal or any other supply facility, including supply barges and truck deliveries to ensure that the resultant fuel is compliant with the requirements of clause 5 of the standard.
Furthermore, attention should be given to the collection of bunker samples. It should be ensured that all parties have witnessed the sampling process and have signed witness forms accordingly, and that the supporting documentation includes records of all the samples considered representative of the fuel as loaded.
Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 7 August, 2018
Fuels tested had values ranging between 79 to 110 mg/kg, above the 60 mg/kg limit under ISO 8217:2017.
Oil demand in some regions is still forecast to grow in this longer-term period, but the dominance of Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe all in ‘environmental mode’, says Steve Christy.
Real safety concerns: Several ISO-F-RMG380 samples tested with flash points between 35 to 47 degrees Celsius.
Government clamping down illegal oil trade and the vessels involved may have crew arrested.
‘The situation now is fuels can have contaminants, but are also still “fit for purpose”,’ says Ara Barsamian, CEO of Refinery Automation Institute.
Lead times have been steady in Singapore for all three main fuel grades in the past week, and VLSFO supply improves in Fujairah.
‘Bunker barges operate in very local areas so these vessels call at port very often which means it will be a good fit for women with families,’ states Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International.
“Our Singapore branch is under preparation and is expected to start business at the republic before June 2023,” Managing Director Darcy Wong tells bunkering publication Manifold Times in an interview.
Development to supply B35 biodiesel blend officially takes effect on 1 February; local bunker suppliers will be able to deliver updated spec within March onwards, once current stocks of B30 avails run out.
VPS, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, and INTERTANKO executives offered a multitude of perspectives to 73 attendees during the VPS Biofuels Seminar, reports Manifold Times.
Headway will launch a new fuel supply system suitable for alternative bunker fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia; to focus on procurement and construction of carbon capture systems in 2023 following R&D.
Competition for FAME from aviation and road transportation sectors have resulted in some shipowners resorting to adopt more readily available CNSL blends as biofuel for vessels, explains Steve Bee.
