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FOBAS: Possible bunker fuel contamination in Houston and US Gulf area

FOBAS has dealt with a number of problematic very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) from US Gulf region, and specifically from Houston and New Orleans; vessels reported problems with fuel injection equipment.

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Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) on Tuesday (11 July) released a bulletin highlighting it found issues with very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) from the US Gulf region, specifically from Houston and New Orleans: 

In the last month, FOBAS has dealt with a number of problematic VLSFO RM fuels from the US Gulf region, specifically from Houston and New Orleans. During the use of these fuels vessels have reported varying degrees of problems with the fuel injection equipment, which in a couple of cases has resulted in total loss of power.

The fuels in question have been bunkered from late March through to early May, with more recent fuels still under investigation.

All fuels have had routine ISO 8217 Table 2 testing carried out. Standard analysis shows these VLSFO’s have relatively low viscosities from 61.9cSt down to 7.8cSt @ 50 Deg C. Acid number of these fuels ranged from 0.33mgKOH/g to 2.21mgKOH/g and the fuels in questions were supplied by different suppliers and barges.

Initial detailed testing by FTIR and GCMS methods of these fuels suggests the presence of various glycols, Tetrachloroethylene, unusually high levels of Tetrahydro DCPD (dicyclopentadiene) and Dihydro DCPD.

Although the exact cause of problems is being established, based on the information to hand it is suspected that the presence of these aforementioned components at various concentration levels are likely to have contributed to the reported problems. Initial assessment also revealed that there are some blend components, at least 1-2% that are not a natural part of the usual refinery stream process and seems to be a possible combination of various chemical waste products.

In view of the above, we would suggest that any vessel bunkering in the US Gulf area, particularly around Houston and New Orleans, pay close attention to the fuel quality and ask for assurances from the supplier that the fuel meets not only the ISO 8217 Table 2 but also the general requirements of the standard (Clause 5) as well as stipulations of MARPOL Annex VI regulation 18.3 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.

Manifold Times previously reported VPS also detecting the presence of Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and associated isomers at significantly high levels in VLSFO bunker fuel deliveries in Houston

Related: VPS identifies new bunker fuel contamination at Houston

 

Photo credit: Louis Reed from Unsplash
Published: 12 July, 2023

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Environment

Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia conduct table-top exercise to strengthen oil spill response

Exercise focused on several aspects including collaboration between government agencies and oil spill response firms to optimise oil spill response resources for incidents in Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (11 February) conducted a table-top exercise (TTX) with Indonesia and Malaysia to enhance regional coordination and strengthen response capabilities for oil spills. The exercise brought together over 20 representatives from MPA, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Malaysia’s Environment Department, and oil spill response experts from ITOPF. As part of Singapore’s chairmanship of the Revolving Fund Committee (RFC) from April 2022 until March 2027, MPA led the TTX to foster collaboration between the littoral States of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The RFC, established through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the three littoral States and the Malacca Strait Council (MSC) in 1981, is a funding mechanism allowing each littoral State to draw cash advance from the Fund to combat oil spill from ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS). The exercise focused on coordination procedures to ensure swift and clear communication between the littoral States during an oil spill incident, rapid deployment of oil spill response assets by the littoral States, and collaboration between government agencies and oil spill response companies to optimise oil spill response resources for incidents in the SOMS. The response strategies and asset deployment plans tested during the TTX will be exercised during a Ground Deployment Exercise between the three littoral States and ITOPF in 2026. Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia conducts table-top exercise to strengthen oil spill response

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (11 February) conducted a table-top exercise (TTX) with Indonesia and Malaysia to enhance regional coordination and strengthen response capabilities for oil spills. 

The exercise brought together over 20 representatives from MPA, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Malaysia’s Environment Department, and oil spill response experts from ITOPF.

As part of Singapore’s chairmanship of the Revolving Fund Committee (RFC) from April 2022 until March 2027, MPA led the TTX to foster collaboration between the littoral States of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. 

The RFC, established through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the three littoral States and the Malacca Strait Council (MSC) in 1981, is a funding mechanism allowing each littoral State to draw cash advance from the Fund to combat oil spill from ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS).

The exercise focused on coordination procedures to ensure swift and clear communication between the littoral States during an oil spill incident, rapid deployment of oil spill response assets by the littoral States, and collaboration between government agencies and oil spill response companies to optimise oil spill response resources for incidents in the SOMS.

The response strategies and asset deployment plans tested during the TTX will be exercised during a Ground Deployment Exercise between the three littoral States and ITOPF in 2026.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 12 February, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

South Korea’s HJSC scores LNG bunkering vessel order from H-Line Shipping

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has secured its first order of the year with a contract worth KRW 127.1 billion (USD 87.6 million) to build an 18,000㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for H-Line Shipping.

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South Korean HJSC scores LNG bunkering vessel order from H-Line Shipping

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has secured its first order of the year with a contract worth KRW 127.1 billion (USD 87.6 million) to build an 18,000㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for H-Line Shipping. 

The contracted vessel is a large-scale LNG bunkering ship measuring 144 meters in length, 25.2 meters in width, and 12.8 meters in depth. It is capable of supplying up to 18,000㎥ of LNG in a single operation to LNG-fuelled ships. 

Equipped with two independent LNG tanks certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the vessel features a dual-fuel propulsion system that allows it to operate on both eco-friendly LNG and marine diesel oil. This advanced system ensures both stability and operational efficiency while effectively reducing carbon emissions.

Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJSC, said, “As global LNG demand and supply continue to grow, the LNG bunkering vessel market will see steady expansion.” 

“We will focus on strengthening our expertise in building eco-friendly, high-value-added ships, securing a competitive edge that aligns with our legacy as a leader in shipbuilding.”

This achievement follows the company's success in 2014 when it built the world’s first 5,100㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for Japan’s NYK Line.

“This accomplishment also reinforces South Korea’s shipbuilding industry's efforts to enhance competitiveness by securing high-efficiency, environmentally friendly vessels in the global market,” HJSC said. 

“Notably, with the anticipated expansion of oil and natural gas drilling and the resumption of LNG exports under the second Trump administration in the US, the market for crude oil carriers, LNG carriers, and LNG bunkering vessels is expected to see significant growth.”

“This trend is likely to benefit the country’s highly competitive shipbuilding industry.”

 

Photo credit: HJ Shipbuilding & Construction
Published: 12 February, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

AMSOL tanker “Uhambo” commences offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay

Firm announced that its product tanker Uhambo has started offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, signalling that the service has resumed in the maritime bay of South Africa.

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AMSOL tanker “Uhambo” commences offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay

Marine services provider AMSOL recently announced that its product tanker Uhambo has started offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, signalling that the service has resumed in the maritime bay in South Africa.  

“Now flying the South African flag and an important platform for the ongoing training and development of tanker-endorsed South African seafarers, the Uhambo has commenced offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, delivering locally refined marine fuel on behalf of its oil industry client,” the company said in a statement shared with Manifold Times

In November 2024, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) released new protocols including amendments under sections 21, 60, and 120 of the Customs and Excise Act. Some amendments pertain to the storage of imported bonded fuel goods in designated customs and excise storage warehouses.

SARS' move was anticipated to facilitate bunkering to resume off Algoa Bay, which has been shut down since September 2023

AMSOL’s Chief Commercial Officer Graham Dreyden, said: “Our ability to comply with stringent operating regulations and legislation as well as international maritime and marine standards underpins AMSOL’s track record.”

“This is the case for operations in Algoa Bay and we have worked closely with authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure all legislative requirements for offshore bunkering operations are met.”

AMSOL’s CEO Dan Ngakane said he is positive about the growth of the company and its broader impact. 

“We have acquired five vessels in the last 4 years in order to meet the needs of our clients in the region for reliable and professional, risk managed marine solutions,” he said.

“In leading growth in the South African maritime sector, we remain committed to meeting the highest standards for environmental protection, safety and compliance whilst developing the talent required to keep our industry growing and moving forward.”

AMSOL said it is the only marine services business operating in the region with a proven track record in effective management of risk-mitigated fuel transfers through a portfolio of services that include in-port bunker delivery, offshore bunkering, ship-to-ship fuel transfer services and offshore terminal management.

Related: ENGINE: SARS releases final rules for South Africa’s offshore bunkering
Related: SARS seeks public comments on amendments to bonded bunker fuel storage regulations
Related: South African Revenue Service issues media statement on detention of bunkering vessels
Related: ENGINE: Algoa Bay bunkering at a standstill as authority detains barges – sources
Related: ENGINE: Algoa Bay closure spurs surge in bunker calls at nearby ports

 

Photo credit: AMSOL
Published: 12 February, 2025

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