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FOBAS: Organic Chlorides in Singapore – CIMAC update

CIMAC paper finds there is a correlation between elevated levels of Chlorinated Organic Compounds and equipment failure in its cause-and effect evaluation.

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Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) on Wednesday (26 October) released a bulletin highlighting International Council on Combustion Engines (CIMAC ) working group’s recent paper summarising the situation around the organic chloride contamination cases earlier this year in Singapore and updates on the cases:

We would like to highlight the recently released update and informative paper from CIMAC Working Group on marine Fuels. The original document from CIMAC can be downloaded here. Lloyd’s Register FOBAS has a strong presence in the CIMAC working group and our aim is to represent our clients’ interests in all areas we possibly can. The document provides a summary of the situation around the organic chloride contamination cases earlier this year in Singapore and follows on from updates and case summary released previously by MPA in Singapore.

Back in late February/early March, we had reports from one or two vessels of problems including fuel pump damage while using high sulphur fuels bunkered from Singapore. After detailed investigation, it was discovered that organic chlorides or COC’s (Chlorinated Organic Compounds) were present in the fuel at very high concentrations. Once it was clear this was not just a one-off incident, we issued an alert to all our clients on 29th March, with a further update on 14th April as well as directly contacting many vessels who, based on their bunkering information, were deemed most at risk of having been supplied with contaminated fuel. Although many vessels did face problems, we were able to preemptively warn many more to then have time to test their fuels before being put into use or de-bunkered.

It has been our stance from past experiences that organic chlorides should not be present in any marine fuel and that under certain conditions can cause corrosive damage to system components including fuel pumps. As described in the CIMAC statement, there is a clear cause and effect link that can be drawn and clear understanding that they should not be present.

As a solution provider to our client base, we offer specific testing to determine the presence and concentration of organic chlorides, however this should ideally be controlled on the supplier’s side, and we do see this as a rare incident that hopefully can be avoided in the future. There is also ongoing work in the industry to standardise the ASTM D7845 organic chloride test method to determine the specific organic species, which we have already applied successfully; recognising that the supplier’s responsibility to meet the limit has been set against the test method for Total Organic Chlorine EN 14077 as highlighted in the CIMAC paper. As ever we will be monitoring fuel quality and alert vessels to any signs of similar incidents in the future.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 27 October, 2022

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Milestone

China: Xiamen port records 16.37% jump in bunker sales volume in 1H2025

Total of 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.

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Xiamen port bunkering

The Port of Xiamen recorded bonded bunkering volume of 274,500 metric tonnes (mt) in the first half (1H) of 2025, representing a jump of 16.37% on year, reported Xiamen Daily on Thursday (10 July).

A total 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.

The report noted Xiamen Port to be increasing bunker players while optimising its bonded marine fuel supply chain system in recent years.

Before February 2025, there were only two bonded bunker fuel suppliers with national licenses operating at Xiamen Port.

The port welcomed Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil [厦门昆仑燃料油] as a new marine fuel supplier on 1 February; the company was awarded the first Xiamen local license by both Xiamen Customs and the local government.

Followingly, Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil performed its first bonded bunkering operation at Xiamen port on 26 February.

Xiamen Port earlier launched a pilot programme called “two warehouse functions superposition” which combines the functions of both bonded oil storage warehouse and export supervision warehouse into one unit.

Using just a single oil storage tank allows bunker fuel suppliers at Xiamen to save on renting tanks, reduce time spent on tank unloading, improve utilisation rates, and shorten bunker delivery times.

Related: PetroChina subsidiary wins first bonded bunkering licence in Xiamen

 

Photo credit: Xiamen Port Authority, China
Published: 11 July 2025

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Newbuilding

China: Steel cutting ceremony for methanol bunkering tanker “Lucia Cosulich” held

A steel cutting ceremony was held for the 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

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Lucia Cosulich

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy on Wednesday (9 July) announced the steel cutting ceremony of Lucia Cosulich, a 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker – the second vessel in a series of four – at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

“This milestone marks another bold step in our Marine Energy business unit’s commitment to clean fuel readiness and operational excellence,” said the company.

The vessel will be fully methanol-ready, capable of carrying, burning, and bunkering methanol safely and efficiently, with full regulatory compliance standards.

It will feature an integrated Nitrogen Generator System, ensuring safe and inert tank operations at all times. Equipped with advanced safety systems specifically engineered for low-flashpoint fuel handling, the vessel sets a new benchmark in future fuel readiness.

A complete methanol bunkering setup will come as standard, including the Quick Connect/Disconnect Couplings (QCDC), dedicated transfer lines and comprehensive monitoring and control systems to ensure efficient and secure fuel handling.

“Built on state-of-the-art architecture, she is designed not only to meet but to exceed the evolving demands of tomorrow’s energy supply chain,” noted the firm.

Lucia Cosulich embodies our vision to lead the transition within the maritime fuel landscape.”

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 11 July 2025

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Financial Result

Glander International Bunkering reports EBT of USD 22 million for FY2025

‘This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,’ says CEO Carsten Ladekjær.

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Glander Result 2024 2025 MT

Global bunker trading and energy solutions provider Glander International Bunkering on Thursday (10 July) posted financial results for the year ended on April 30, 2025 – reflecting stable performance amid ongoing changes in global maritime and regulations.

The company reports a turnover of USD 3 billion and earnings before tax (EBT) of USD 22 million, including a non-recurring item.

“These results demonstrate consistent performance compared to the previous fiscal year, as the company continues to focus on conventional fuels, new fuels, risk management and extensive global reach,” CFO David Varghese comments.

Navigating change in maritime

Throughout the 2024-25 fiscal year, the bunker industry faced critical challenges including the escalation of the US-China trade conflict, ongoing Red Sea and Suez Canal security risks, and the first full-year impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for maritime shipping.

Compliance with IMO CII measures and the uptake of new fuel products also influenced bunker demand patterns and pricing strategies.

“This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,” says CEO Carsten Ladekjær. “In a time of uncertainty and transformation, we focused on staying agile, supporting customers with conventional fuels, and laying the groundwork for new fuel solutions.”

New fuels and other key achievements

Glander International Bunkering made significant progress in 2024-25: completing bioLNG deliveries, expanding biofuel supply, and launching a compliance calculator to help customers navigate FuelEU Maritime. Compared to the previous fiscal year, the company achieved a 71% increase in biofuel volume and 85% increase in LNG volume, along with the sale of nearly 100,000 EUAs.

Other achievements throughout the year include the renewal of its ISCC certifications, membership in the Smart Freight Centre, and Great Place to Work certification for the 7th consecutive year.

Looking ahead, Ladekjær says, “We will do what we have always done since 1961– adapt to new changes and be there for our clients.” He added that Glander International Bunkering is prepared for the next phase of change in global shipping, as decarbonisation, regulatory expansion and geopolitical developments continue to shape the bunker fuel market.

 

Photo credit: Glander International Bunkering
Published: 11 July 2025

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