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Gard members and clients find chlorinated hydrocarbons in Singapore bunkers

Affected vessels reporting operational problems that may be caused by contaminated bunkers, mostly HSFO, stemmed in Singapore in Q1 2022.

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Bunker tanker sailing in Singapore port

Maritime Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club Gard on Wednesday (30 March) issued an alert indicating members and clients reporting operational problems that may be caused by contaminated bunkers, mostly HSFO, stemmed in Singapore in the first quarter of 2022:

We refer to Veritas Petroleum Services’ (VPS) Alert No. 05/2022 dated 11 March 2022 reporting that high levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons have been noted in fuel samples of HSFO deliveries from Singapore. While the deliveries were made by different suppliers during this time, the ISO 8217, Table 2 test requirements were met. The presence of contaminants was found during enhanced testing - GC-MS (Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometer), which revealed chlorinated hydrocarbons and organic chlorides. Gard Members can access the VPS Alert here.

VPS advises that the consequences of such contamination include worn out fuel pumps, fuel valve problems and subsequently the main or auxiliary engines failing to start. Gard insured vessels have experienced operational issues that may be related to contaminated stems including blackouts, loss of propulsion, high exhaust temperature deviation and excessive sludging in the fuel system. In some cases, the vessels even required a tow to port. The long terms effect of these contaminants on the machinery, if any, are not yet known.

Subsequent to the VPS alert, Gard also contacted other industry organizations to ascertain if they have had similar experiences. We have not received feedback at the time of drafting this alert although we have been made aware that a number of testing laboratories have published client alerts on this issue that corroborate the VPS findings. We would like to mention that these findings do not reflect the overall quality of bunkers supplied in Singapore.

Given that Gard has experienced a few severe cases of main engine breakdown, we would reiterate some of the recommendations in the VPS alert  as well as Gard’s previous advice on additional testing mentioned in our Insight “Contaminated bunker issue continues to spread” which related to the spate of contaminated bunkers originating in Houston in 2018 and 2019.

Key recommendations

  1. Ship’s crew on vessels that have recently stemmed HSFO bunkers in Singapore should be aware of the possible presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons and the potential effects on the vessel operation. Before using the fuel, owners, operators and charterers may consider seeking assurances from the supplier that the fuel has been tested for chlorinated hydrocarbons and request documentation of the results. At this time, the affected fuel seems to be limited to HFSO, that is, fuel that is intended for consumption by vessels fitted with scrubbers in order to comply with MARPOL sulphur emission standards. This alert does not apply to distillates.
  2. Owners and managers should consider arranging for testing of samples taken before and after the fuel treatment plant to gauge the fuel oil quality at the engine inlet. This will indicate whether the purification system is functioning optimally. It could give early indications of increased engine wear-and-tear and will assist in resolving fuel quality disputes.
  3. On testing requirements for manifold delivery samples, owners and managers can consider ordering investigative analysis, beyond what is required as per Table 2 of ISO 8217, especially when the vessel is experiencing operational issues. Advanced tests such as GC-MS may help to identify contaminants that could cause damage to the main or auxiliary engines.
  4. Owners and charterers should be aware that bunker supply contracts contain various time limits and methods for notification to the bunker provider of problematic fuel. The purchaser should review the bunker sale contract terms and conditions carefully and provide timely notice of operational problems that may be related to the fuel supplied.
  5. Having a constructive dialogue with the bunker suppliers before taking on bunkers to discuss the concerns related to the possible presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons in HSFO can also yield positive results.
  6. Lastly, bunker samples taken at the time of delivery will be relevant evidence that may help to resolve a dispute between owners and charterers regarding the compliance of the fuel supplied as well as between seller and purchaser under the bunker sale contract. For more information please refer to our alertand poster on bunker sampling.

We would like to thank Veritas Petroleum Services for the information. 

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Source: Gard
Published: 1 April, 2022

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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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