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IBIA: Off-specs and bunker licensing discussed at IMO

IBIA told MSC 106 that off-spec data from 2020 came across as ‘overly alarming’ for several reasons, noting that an “off-spec” fuel does not necessarily pose a significant safety risk to the ship.
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IBIA

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Thursday (1 December) published an article on licensing of bunker suppliers which was discussed during the recent 106th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee but said there was not much appetite for pursuing bunker licensing among Member States. A few questioned the degree to which bunker licensing would be effective in preventing supply of off-spec fuels:

IBIA voiced support for licensing of bunker suppliers, but urged caution about how to interpret ‘off-specs’ at the 106th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee that took place from November 2 to 11.

Two papers were submitted to the meeting about fuels that may jeopardize the safety of ships. The submitters of the documents said these would be useful for the Correspondence Group on Development of further measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil (CG). This CG, which works between MCS meetings, was re-established at MSC 105. IBIA takes part in the CG with input from the IBIA Technical Working Group. (More info on this link)

One of the papers, MSC 106/18/1, submitted by BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO provided statistics, based on a set of data from 2020 from a major fuel testing agency, about fuels failing to meet ISO 8217 parameters. The other, MSC 106/INF.19 submitted by Singapore gave details of investigations and actions taken following the supply of bunker fuel containing chlorinated organic compounds in the Port of Singapore earlier this year.

MSC 106/18/1 also pointed to regional differences in off-spec occurrences, and proposed “that Member States, including the individual ports within Member States, and relevant intergovernmental organizations consider implementing and enforcing a licensing scheme for bunker suppliers operating within their jurisdiction to combat the high off-spec occurrence rates in some poorer performing geographical regions”.

Commenting on these papers, IBIA made the following statement at MSC 106: “We thank the co-sponsors of MSC 106/18/1 in relation to off specification occurrence rates during 2020, highlighting regional differences, which we are aware of.  We are very much supportive of the proposal in the document that relevant authorities should be encouraged to consider implementing and enforcing a licensing scheme for bunker suppliers operating within their jurisdiction. The approach of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore in connection with the recent case in Singapore of Organic Chlorides described in MSC 106/INF.19 is a prime example of the benefits of a licensing scheme.”   

During discussions of the two papers at MSC 106, several delegations supported sending both to the CG on fuel oil safety for consideration.

There was not, however, much appetite for pursuing bunker licensing among Member States. A few questioned the degree to which bunker licensing would be effective in preventing supply of off-spec fuels. Several noted that it is entirely the responsibility of the supplier to provide on-spec fuel.

Several delegations stressed that bunker supplier licensing schemes had already been thoroughly discussed in recent years, both by MSC and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), and that implementation of such licensing schemes should be voluntary. Moreover, MSC agreed that bunker licensing should be addressed by MEPC under the remit of MARPOL.

IBIA and BIMCO have submitted a paper to the upcoming MEPC 79 meeting in December. Our document, MEPC 79/INF.24 shares the results of our joint industry survey, which identified broad support among maritime industry stakeholders for adoption of bunker licensing schemes and mass flow metering systems to improve transparency and market conditions.

We submitted this document to MEPC to raise awareness among IMO Member States and stakeholders of the benefits of adopting effective bunker licencing programmes and MFM technology. (Read it on this link: MEPC 79/INF.24)

Off-spec interpretation

In regards to the off-spec data from 2020 presented in MSC 106/18/1, IBIA told MSC 106 that the data came across as overly alarming for several reasons.

“According to ISO 4259, which is incorporated for every individual test method listed in ISO 8217, a fuel is considered off-spec only if the tested value exceeds both the actual limit and the 95% confidence interval for each specific parameter. The data presented in document MSC 106/18/1 does not appear to take the 95% confidence interval into account, hence the percentage of off-specs is greater than if the paper had followed the industry accepted approach to test results. Data from two testing agencies from the start of 2021 to Q3 of 2022 that do take 95% confidence into account show the percentage of off-specs at much lower levels. For the ARA region, for example, where data in MSC 106/18/1 shows off-specs including sulphur at 19%, data from 2021 and 2022 show off-specs including sulphur averaging 6.76% from one fuel testing agency and quarterly averages ranging from 2.4 – 4.3% from another,” IBIA’s Director and IMO Representative Unni Einemo told MSC 106.

“Most importantly, it should be noted that an “off-spec” fuel does not necessarily pose a significant safety risk to the ship. One of the most common off-specs is excess water, which is easily managed at twice the specification limit. A more critical parameter like Al+Si, meanwhile, is harmful even at on-spec concentrations if the fuel is not properly managed onboard, yet fuels testing above the limit may often be safely managed onboard with due care and attention,” she added.

“In conclusion, this paper does not reflect the percentage of oil fuels that present a significant safety risk to the receiving ship, and we would therefore suggest a more selective approach to examining fuel quality data relating to the safety of ships.”

While there was support for, and no objections to, sending the MSC 106/18/1 to the CG on fuel oil safety, some said more information was desirable, such as an indication of the degree to which parameters exceeded ISO 8217 parameters, and the possible influence on safety associated with the off-spec parameters.

It would also be very useful for the work on assessing oil fuel safety issues to receive more information from concrete cases where fuel has been identified as causing an incident, it was noted.

The CG on oil fuel safety will have several rounds of discussions between now and MSC 107, which is scheduled for early June next year. In the first round, the CG will discuss guidelines for sampling procedures to establish flashpoint. (More info on this link)

 

Photo credit: IBIA
Published: 5 December, 2022

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

4.59 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.27 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA.

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July 15, 2025

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 7.5% on year in June 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.59 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,594,700 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.27 million mt (4,274,900 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 1.70 million mt (+8.6% from 1.56 million mt), 2.31 million mt (-7.2% from 2.33 million mt), 1,900 mt (from zero), 4,500 mt (-88% from 8,000 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 38,800 mt (+671.7% from 2,500 mt), 114,300 mt (+97.9% from 45,400 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February this year, recorded 1,000 mt of deliveries in June.

LNG and methanol sales were respectively 55,400 mt (-7.8% from 51,700) and zero (from zero mt). There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far in 2025.

Related: Singapore: Bunker sales volume raises to year record high of 4.88 million mt in May
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 4% on year in April 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes reported by Manifold Times tracked since 2018 can be found via the link here.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 July 2025

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Alternative Fuels

ITOCHU orders world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel for Singapore demonstration project

Company contracted Sasaki Shipbuilding to build the 5,000 m3 vessel and Izumi Steel Works to construct an ammonia tank plant that will be loaded onto the vessel, which is expected to be delivered in 2027.

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ITOCHU orders world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel for Singapore demonstration project

ITOCHU Corporation (ITOCHU) on Monday (14 July) announced that it recently signed a shipbuilding contract for the construction of a 5,000 m3 ammonia bunkering vessel with Sasaki Shipbuilding. 

The company also announced an agreement regarding the construction of an ammonia tank plant that will be loaded onto the vessel with Izumi Steel Works. 

These agreements were signed by Clean Ammonia Bunkering Shipping Pte Ltd (CABS), a wholly owned Singapore-based specific purpose company of ITOCHU. 

In relation to this, CABS has concluded a financing agreement with The Hiroshima Bank for financing a part of purchase price of the vessel.

The agreements were concluded to pursue the Demonstration Project for Bunkering Ammonia as Marine Fuel in Singapore adopted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan as part of the Global South Future-oriented Co-Creation Project (large-scale demonstration in ASEAN member states). 

Going forward, with an eye toward the demonstration of ammonia bunkering in Singapore after building the world’s first newbuilding ammonia bunkering vessel, ITOCHU said efforts will be made to facilitate concrete discussions with the maritime stakeholders, including the port authority in Singapore, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and the fuel producers, while obtaining support from the Japanese Government.

The vessel is to be flagged under the Singapore Registry and is expected to be delivered in September 2027.

ITOCHU will establish a safe offshore bunkering operation of ammonia as marine fuel by way of ship-to-ship transfer through the development and construction of the vessel and demonstration. 

Then, by utilising the vessel, ITOCHU will establish connection between the first movers in clean ammonia production and the first movers in the ammonia-fueled vessels and secure initial demand for ammonia as marine fuel, aiming at the commercialisation of ammonia bunkering business in Singapore and expansion of similar business model to major maritime transportation points around the world, including Spain (Strait of Gibraltar), Egypt (Suez Canal) and Japan.

 

Photo credit: ITOCHU Corporation
Published: 15 July 2025

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Business

S@S Week 2025: Singapore conducts chemical spill exercise to gear up for methanol bunkering

Exercise simulated a methanol spill from a collision involving a methanol-carrying tanker off Singapore’s southern coast, triggering a multi-agency response which included spill containment.

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July 15, 2025

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RESIZED bunker tanker singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (15 July) conducted a multi-agency chemical spill exercise to strengthen Singapore’s operational readiness, as part of the International Safety@Sea (S@S) Week. 

MPA is organising the 12th edition of the S@S Week, with this year’s event being the international edition, taking place from 15 to 18 July 2025. 

Conducted off Singapore’s southern coast, the exercise involved 11 vessels and over 150 personnel from more than 10 government agencies and industry partners. Mr Murali, Mr Dominguez and Secretary-General, International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, Mr Francis Zachariae, observed the exercise.

The exercise simulated a methanol spill from a collision involving a methanol-carrying tanker, triggering a multi-agency response. This included coordinated efforts for spill containment and the evacuation of injured crew. A range of drone-enabled technologies was trialled during the exercise, including 3D imaging to assess vessel damage and a water curtain misting system to limit the spread of chemical plumes. An Uncrewed Surface Vehicle was also deployed to monitor air quality, reducing the need for responders to enter hazardous zones to perform such monitoring. The Maritime Digital Twin and chemical plume modelling tools were used to enhance situational awareness and support decision-making throughout the exercise.

The exercise is part of MPA’s broader preparations for methanol bunkering and provided a valuable opportunity for agencies and industry partners to better understand the safety and operational challenges, and potential solutions, in handling alternative fuels. Following an open call in March 2025, MPA has received 13 applications for methanol bunker supplier licenses, reflecting strong industry interest in supplying methanol on a commercial scale in Singapore. MPA is evaluating the applications and targets to issue the licenses in Q4 2025, which will cover the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030. 

Themed ‘The Future of Maritime Safety: Navigating the Next Frontier’, the annual event brings together local and international maritime experts, and the maritime community to promote awareness and facilitate discussions on maritime safety. 

Speaking at the opening today, Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, said that the maritime sector is facing increasingly complex global challenges, including heightened geopolitical tensions, climate change, and rapid transformation in digitalisation and decarbonisation. He highlighted that we can tackle these challenges by (i) equipping our workforce for future challenges, (ii) harnessing collective expertise through close collaborations and partnerships, and (iii) drawing upon technology and innovation to augment our capabilities. 

In his keynote address, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), underscored the need for robust safety frameworks and regulations as the maritime landscape evolves. He cited Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and new ship designs and systems using sustainable marine fuels as examples of how the maritime sector is transforming and outlined IMO’s priorities in those areas. Mr Dominguez also highlighted the importance of government-industry collaboration and initiatives like the Safety@Sea Singapore Campaign to foster a safety-first culture at sea.  

This year’s conference features 19 speakers across three plenaries. Discussions will focus on issues shaping the future of maritime safety, including lessons learned from past incidents, and the human element in ensuring safety as the industry transforms. A new Safety@Sea Community Conversations event will also bring together representatives from shipping companies, regional ferry operators, harbour craft operators and terminal operators to share their experiences and efforts in fostering a safety culture in their organisations. 

Over 1,800 participants from more than 40 countries are expected to participate in the week’s sessions. Other highlights include the Responders Plus Programme (RPP) Maritime Workshop jointly organised by MPA and the Singapore Civil Defence Force, and two safety forums organised by the MPA-Harbour Craft and MPA-Pleasure Craft Safety Work Groups to promote safety awareness and best practices within the local maritime community. 

MPA is also enhancing safety across other areas of port operations. In collaboration with Skyports Drone Services, TFG Marine and CBS Ventures, MPA and the partners will complete Singapore’s first shore-to-ship drone trials for delivery and retrieval operations from bunker tankers later this week. 

The use of drones reduces reliance on harbour craft for such operations, improving efficiency while reducing pollution and congestion. 

It also minimises safety risks by removing the need for crew to handle and transfer heavy items between the ship and shore using harbour craft. Safety considerations, including the management of electrostatic discharge risks during the drone operations, are carefully reviewed in preparation for the trials. 

Findings from these trials will inform the development of safety protocols and an operational framework to support the phased implementation of this new maritime service.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 15 July 2025

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