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MPA: Glencore and PetroChina supplied contaminated bunkers to about 200 ships in the Port of Singapore

MPA preliminary investigations revealed that the affected marine fuel was supplied by Glencore Singapore Pte Ltd who later sold part of the same cargo to PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

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Manifold Times Bunkering Vessels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (13 April) issued an update on the contaminated bunker fuel situation at Singapore:

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was notified on 14 March 2022 that a number of ships had been supplied with High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) containing high concentration levels of Chlorinated Organic Compounds (COC) (1,2-Dichloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene) in the Port of Singapore. MPA immediately contacted the relevant bunker suppliers to take necessary steps to stop supplying the affected fuel and to also inform all the ships that were supplied with the fuel to exercise caution when using it.

Preliminary investigations conducted by MPA revealed that the affected fuel – a blended product, was supplied by Glencore Singapore Pte Ltd (Glencore). Glencore informed MPA that on receiving reports of its fuel being contaminated, Glencore proceeded to test the fuels supplied by its sources used in its blended product, and discovered that one of them that was sourced from overseas had contained about 15000 ppm of COC. By the time of testing, Glencore had already sold part of the affected fuel to PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd (PetroChina), which in turn, had supplied to ships in the Port of Singapore.

To date, Glencore and PetroChina had supplied the affected fuel to about 200 ships in the Port of Singapore. Of these, about 80 ships have reported various issues with their fuel pumps and engines. MPA has conducted fuel sample tests for some of the affected ships and found elevated levels of COC in their fuel samples. This is the first case of fuel contamination due to high concentration levels of COC reported in Singapore in the past two decades.

Bunker fuel supplied in the Port of Singapore must meet the international standards of petroleum products of fuel – International Organization for Standardization 8217 (ISO 8217) [1]. The contaminated fuel purchased by Glencore was in compliance with ISO 8217. Glencore had also performed additional testing of the fuel based on the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7845 [2]. Both ISO 8217 and ASTM D7845 do not test for COC.

MPA is currently in discussions with the industry on implementing additional fuel quality checks that would screen for unacceptable chemicals. MPA also intends to submit a paper on the fuel contamination with COC to the International Maritime Organization for the members’ awareness.

As a major bunkering hub, MPA takes bunker quality assurance seriously and will not hesitate to take necessary actions against relevant parties if they have failed to comply with MPA’s bunker licence conditions or other applicable regulations.

[1]: ISO 8217 - International Standards Petroleum products — Fuels (class F) — Specifications of marine fuels.

[2]: ASTM D7845 – Standard Test Method for Determination of Chemical Species in Marine Fuel Oil by Multidimensional Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.

Related: Singapore Shipping Association issues statement to members regarding recent contaminated HSFO bunker cases
Related: VPS provides update on bunker fuel contamination cases in Singapore
Related: Bureau Veritas answers questions on Chlorinated Compounds in HSFO from Singapore
Related: FuelTrust: Latest bunkering contamination at Singapore validates need for early warning system
Related: VPS identifies potential bunker fuel contamination crisis unfolding at Singapore
Related: Gard members and clients find chlorinated hydrocarbons in Singapore bunkers

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 13 April, 2022

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Mass Flowmeter

Singapore to implement new bunker mass flow metering standards from 1 April 2025

MPA will mandate the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore from 1 April 2025; use of SS 648: 2019 will cease on the same date.

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RESIZED EH dual mfm setup

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Friday (1 November) issued Port Marine Circular No. 12 of 2024 informing the marine industry that the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore will be mandatory from 1 April 2025:

This circular serves to inform the maritime industry that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will mandate the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore from 1 April 2025. Consequently, the use of SS 648: 2019 will cease from 1 April 2025. 

Published by the Singapore Standards Council in October 2024, the SS 648: 2024 serves as the latest version of the SS 648 and is the result of a joint review of the previous version (SS648: 2019) by the MPA, Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), as well as representatives from bunker suppliers/craft operators, bunker buyers, testing and surveying companies, oil majors, equipment vendors, relevant government agencies and industry experts to meet the changing needs of the bunkering industry. 

The SS 648: 2024 is divided into 2 parts for ease of operational use. Part 1 covers pre-approval processes such as meter selection, acceptance tests, etc.; while Part 2 covers post-approval processes such as health, safety and environment requirements, metrological requirements, system integrity requirements and metering procedures. Other key changes include:  

  • Updating of the acceptance test to include single tanker meter-in meter-out as an additional option for approval of Mass Flow Metering (MFM) system;
  • Considerations after a software update or upgrade to provide better clarity;
  • Biofuels in the coverage of the standard;
  • Use of data logger and edge device with enhanced requirements for data security, data integrity and data transmission requirements;
  • Replacing minimum measured quantity (MMQ) with new table on minimum bunker quantity (MBQ) for better clarity;
  • Updates of the sampling requirements with new information from SS 600:2022 Code of practice for bunkering by bunker tankers using tank gauging;
  • New content on digital documentation to be cross referenced to new Specification for Digital Bunkering Supply Chain Documentation; and
  • Reorganisation of the content of bunker claims procedures and dispute resolution

Training Requirements for Cargo Officers and Bunker Surveyors 

The MPA has worked with SSA and IBIA to develop a refresher course on the new requirements of the SS 648: 2024, which is expected to commence from January 2025. All in-service bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors are required to complete this refresher course (conducted by SSA and IBIA) by 1 April 2025. Bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors that have not attained the necessary certification will not be allowed to conduct bunkering operations in the Port of Singapore.

For further information on the courses, please contact SSA and IBIA as follows: 

Singapore Shipping Association
Website: www.ssa.org.sg
Tel: 6305 2260

International Bunker Industry Association

Website: www.ibia.net
Tel: 6427 0916

Queries relating to this circular can be directed to [email protected]

Manifold Times previously reported Enterprise Singapore (ESG), a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Government of Singapore administering the Singapore Standardisation programme launching two new bunkering standards while revising a third benchmark at the 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2024).

Related: SIBCON 2024: Singapore launches two new bunkering standards, revises third benchmark

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 1 November, 2024

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Methanol

South Korea achieves milestone with first SIMOPS methanol bunkering in Busan

Hyodong Shipping’s bunkering vessel “Hyodong Chemi” supplied 3,000 mt of methanol to containership “Antonia Maersk” at Busan New Port Terminal 2 (PNC) during cargo unloading.

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South Korea achieves milestone with first SIMOPS methanol bunkering in Busan

South Korea successfully conducted its first ever Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPs) of ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at Busan New Port on 4 October, according to Korean Register (KR) on Thursday (30 October). 

KR said this groundbreaking achievement marks a crucial advancement in the nation's commitment to developing a sustainable ship fuel supply chain.

In an 11-hour bunkering operation, Hyodong Shipping’s bunkering vessel Hyodong Chemi supplied 3,000 metric tonnes (mt) of methanol to containership Antonia Maersk at Busan New Port Terminal 2(PNC) during cargo unloading. 

This follows the successful LNG bunkering SIMOPs at Busan New Port in August. 

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) spearheaded this initiative as part of its plan to build an Eco-friendly Ship Fuel Supply Chain, announced in November 2023. The ministry has been diligently working on securing bunkering vessels, developing port infrastructure, and standardising bunkering procedures.

Busan Port Authority (BPA) supported the methanol bunkering demonstration project, offering exemptions on port facility usage fees and coordinating with relevant agencies to review safety protocols through an inter-agency consultative body.

Korean Register (KR) has played a pivotal role in providing technical support for the development of a methanol bunkering safety system. KR's contributions include developing standard operating procedures, defining safety management zones, and creating guidance for self-safety management plans.

This accomplishment is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of South Korean ports in the growing market for eco-friendly shipping. The successful implementation of SIMOPs, which allows for simultaneous cargo operations and supply of green fuel, is particularly attractive to shipping companies aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency.  

KANG Joonsuk, CEO & President of BPA, said: “This successful demonstration marks a monumental achievement, showing that Busan Port is fully capable of supplying methanol. We plan to enhance Busan Port’s global competitiveness by developing infrastructure and advancing technology to expand eco-friendly fuel bunkering, positioning it as a leading green port on the world stage.”  

LEE Hyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR, said: “As the maritime industry continues to seek greener alternatives, South Korea is trying to position itself at the forefront of sustainable shipping practices. KR will continue to provide full support for technical cooperation to ensure safe and successful green fuel bunkering operations.”

Related: South Korea achieves first-ever SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of bulk carrier 

Photo credit: Korean Register
Published: 1 November, 2024

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Ammonia

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries wins DNV AiP for ammonia DF large container vessel

Milestone follows the successful completion of a joint development project aimed at addressing the challenges associated with using ammonia as a bunker fuel, says DNV.

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HD Hyundai Heavy Industries wins DNV AiP for ammonia DF large container vessel

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (30 November) said it has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for its 15K TEU ammonia dual-fuelled container vessel design. 

DNV said the milestone follows the successful completion of a joint development project aimed at addressing the challenges associated with using ammonia as a marine fuel.

“The project focused on developing designs to enhance safety, including an optimised ammonia tank design, advanced fire safety systems, enhanced ammonia release mitigation system and boil-off gas (BOG) handling systems,” it said in a statement. 

“These innovations could play an important role in building confidence in the safe and efficient use of ammonia as a marine fuel.”

On container ships, where the upper deck is a safe working zone, DNV said an ammonia leak could pose a serious risk. This means, establishing safety design criteria to manage these risks is crucial for the wider commercialization of ammonia-fueled ships.

To this end, fuel pipe leakage scenarios were defined and quantitatively analysed through gas dispersion analyses. Consequently, it was confirmed that, with conventional systems, foreseeable small leakages occurring at connections within the ammonia piping system can form toxic areas with dangerous ammonia concentrations throughout the entire weather deck, highlighting the need for effective mitigation measures. 

The result showed that hazardous areas were significantly reduced by the enhanced ammonia release mitigation system, enabling not only safer enclosed spaces but also safer working areas across the entire weather deck of the vessel.

Seung-ho Jeon, SEVP, CTO of HD HHI, said: “The AiP reflects HD HHI’s dedication to developing sustainable, innovative solutions like ammonia-fuelled vessels, which will play a key role in reducing emissions and shaping the future of shipping.”

Vidar Dolonen, DNV Regional Manager Korea and Japan, said: "This AiP highlights the importance of safety in moving the maritime industry along the path to decarbonization.”

“There are many aspects to building out zero carbon fuels in shipping, and it’s essential that we have them all in place for ammonia to truly establish itself in the marine fuel market.”

“But with new technological solutions, alongside rigorous safety procedures, ammonia reach its full potential as one of the most promising green fuels. DNV is proud to support these advancements from HD HHI as we continue on this journey to an even more sustainable maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 1 November, 2024

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