Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) on Thursday (20 January) released a bulletin warning shipowners of off-spec bunker fuels from Balboa, Panama:
In recent weeks, FOBAS has tested a number of MGO fuel samples from Balboa, Panama, which showed Sulphur levels above 0.11%m/m. These fuels all had BDN stating Sulphur levels below 0.10%m/m and it is assumed that these fuels were purchased for use in ECA-SOx.
Although the results were marginally high at 0.12%m/m this is still outside the allowed test tolerance range of the 0.10%m/m limit which stands out to be 0.11 % m/m as maximum.
We would recommend any vessels bunkering in this area to make sure they are clear with fuel supplier the requirements of the fuel in terms of Sulphur levels and to ensure that the BDN and designated MARPOL Annex VI sample are kept safely onboard, in case they are required by any authority to check Sulphur compliance.
Any vessel with particular concerns or dealing with an off-spec result can speak to FOBAS for further guidance and may also contact the relevant authorities including vessels Flag State and relevant port state for official guidance.
Photo credit: Louis Reed from Unsplash
Published: 21 January, 2022
Future carbon-neutral marine fuels and the use of flexible engine power plants capable of utilising such fuels, will be central to this transition, says report.
Veritas Petroleum Services records numerous contaminants such as plastic, fibres, black gum, paraffins, fatty acids, and other component found in the off-spec RMK 700 marine fuel.
Republic posted total marine fuel sales of 4.61 million mt in January 2018, higher than 4.46 million mt recorded in January 2017.
Source of theses organic chlorides could be from chemicals used in engine air coolers and cleaning agents used in the dry-cleaning industry.
Several samples representing VLSFO deliveries in Singapore and Malaysia with flashpoint as low as 56°C from 14 August to 21 August.
‘All the affected bunker suppliers in Singapore had exercised due diligence in adhering to both international and local bunker fuel quality control requirements.’
Program introduces periodic assessments, mass flow metering data analysis, and regular training for relevant key personnel to better handle the MFMS to ensure a high level of continuous operational competency.
U.S. Claims Register Summary recorded a total USD 833 million claim from a total 180 creditors against O.W. Bunker USA, according to the creditor list seen by Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.
Glencore purchased fuel through Straits Pinnacle which contracted supply from Unicious Energy. Contaminated HSFO was loaded at Khor Fakkan port and shipped to a FSU in Tanjong Pelepas, Malaysia to be further blended.
Individuals were employees of surveying companies engaged by Shell to inspect the volume of oil loaded onto the vessels which Shell supplied oil to; they allegedly accepted bribes totalling at least USD 213,000.
MPA preliminary investigations revealed that the affected marine fuel was supplied by Glencore Singapore Pte Ltd who later sold part of the same cargo to PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
‘MPA had immediately contacted the relevant bunker suppliers to take necessary steps to ensure that the relevant batch of fuel was no longer supplied. Further investigations are currently on-going,’ it informs.
