Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) on Thursday (4 August) released a bulletin that it has seen samples of fuels similar to the recent contamination of marine bunkers in the ARA region, in Korea and Singapore.
Further to our previous bulletin issued detailing contaminated fuels found in the ARA area, we have seen further similar cases which suggests this contamination of marine bunkers in the ARA (mainly in Rotterdam and Amsterdam) region is an ongoing issue. Since our last bulletin, we have also seen a similar contamination case from Ulsan, Korea and a recent case with lower levels of the same contaminants from Singapore.
Detailed analysis on these fuels has shown a range of compounds, more specifically, high levels of phenolic compounds.
The compounds with highest concentrations are Cardanol (also referred to as Ginkgol and other chemical names) and Cardol which are not normally seen in marine fuels. The concentration of these extraneous components ranged from 20,000 to in excess of 140,000 ppm. We do find that phenol related compounds are often linked with fuel pump wear and damage. The exact mechanism may vary, but in general it may be that these chemicals interfere with the usual fuel lubrication of the fuel pump. In the case of the recent fuels tested where Cardanol alone was at >100,000ppm concentration (>10% total fuel), we would expect this to affect the fuel behaviour considerably.
These fuels were also found to have been blended with Estonian shale oils. Although use of shale oil as a blend component is allowed under ISO 8217 specifications, Estonian shale oils have a tendency to fall apart during purification, which leads to sludging issues during purification.
Further investigation continues in order to identify the exact source and intention of these chemicals.
However, regardless of the source or intention for these chemicals in the fuel, the concern is that some of the vessels using these fuels are reporting operational problems, particularly involving fuel pump wear and damage.
We will continue to investigate these current cases and share any further conclusions regarding the analysis results and operational feedback.
For all vessels bunkering particularly in the ARA region, we would recommend to clarify with the supplier regarding the blend composition of the fuel and a confirmation that the fuel meets the specification of general requirement details in ISO 8217 clause 5 and stipulations of MARPOL Annex VI clause 18.3. As always, the supplier also has a responsibility to ensure no chemical waste/contamination enters the fuel.
FOBAS is proactively alerting our client’s where suspected contaminated fuels are bunkered to run further detailed tests to determine the composition of the fuels.
Related: FOBAS: Contaminated Fuels from ARA (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp) Region
Photo credit: Hans Reniers
Published: 5 August, 2022
The backwardation materialised amid signs of slowing arbitrage arrivals and a slowdown in regional production of low-sulphur residuals, reports Argus Media.
Prompt supply tight in Houston and LA/LB; US fuel oil stocks and production fall despite higher refinery utilisation; Zona Comun VLSFO and LSMGO tight amid refinery turnaround.
Targets to create network of efficient ‘bunkers only’ ports to assist fuel purchasing requirements for IMO 2020.
‘Singapore has requested such information from Malaysia in order to assess its implications for Singapore.’
Lim Oon Kuin now faces a total of 130 charges; bail amount has been increased to S$4 million due to increased amount of players and outstanding sums.
Economy likely to stage quick recovery from coronavirus; with total economic impact relatively contained, says central bank.
‘The MOU will foster innovation in smart and autonomous ship technologies, and support the use of green ammonia as a sustainable fuel to help decarbonise global shipping,’ says the Chief Executive of MPA.
PetroSeraya appoints YTL PowerSeraya veteran See Yoong Hwee to drive its fuel tank leasing operations; together with Rafe Liam as Commercial Manager, they will spearhead the company’s initiatives.
‘This biofuel bunker delivery represents a new chapter for Eng Hua as we are now moving with the times towards the era of decarbonisation,’ Mike Sin, Director at Eng Hua, tells bunkering publication Manifold Times.
MPA has also asked Glencore to improve its internal procedures to ensure that prompt action is taken in future when it becomes aware of, or reasonably suspects, any irregularity in fuel quality, it states.
Dynamic Asset Investments Limited and Goldsland Holdings Co Ltd helped Vermont UM Bunkering maintain a “Cash Float” of about SGD 100,000 to facilitate “buyback” bunker transactions at Singapore port.
Senior Cargo Officer gained SGD 48,800 worth of commission from “buyback” bunker transactions and illegally obtained SGD 410,712.257 by cheating Vermont, a Singapore court heard on Thursday (21 July).
