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Bunker Fuel Quality

NorthStandard includes VPS bunker fuel quality data in new platform

Fuel Insights app, powered by VPS PortStats, offers NorthStandard account holders with a view on fuel quality trends, based on data generated by VPS in key bunkering hubs across the globe.

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NorthStandard includes VPS bunker quality data in new Fuel Insights platform

Marine fuels testing company VPS on Tuesday (11 September) said it has been collaborating with global marine insurer NorthStandard over the past few months on incorporating fuel quality analytics into NorthStandard’s new Get SET! digital portfolio. 

This collaboration has culminated into the launch of the NorthStandard Fuel Insights platform.

The NorthStandard Fuel Insights app, powered by VPS PortStats, offers NorthStandard account holders with a customised and exclusive view on fuel quality trends, based on the data generated by VPS’ laboratories located in key bunkering hubs across the globe. 

Bunker procurement professionals can use this data to improve decision-making, by including off-specs and calorific value to the rationale, whilst technical managers can use the data to anticipate fuel quality risks to avoid bad bunkers.

The digital platform also provides insights beyond off-specs, by highlighting cautionary cases that may require additional treatment or operational advice. 

With the advent of various types and blends of biofuels in the marine industry, VPS is committed to enriching this platform with relevant and actionable insights now and in the future.

“This is a unique collaboration in marine insurance,” said Colin Gillespie, Global Head of Loss Prevention, NorthStandard.

“It offers NorthStandard members easy access to global fuel statistics, as well as the tools to trade with confidence by managing risk and reducing claims in one of the most challenging areas of ship management.”

John Oosthoek, VP Operations Digital & Decarbonisation, VPS, said: “The launch of the Fuel Insights platform is the culmination of a growing partnership between NorthStandard and VPS over the past few years. By utilising reliable fuel quality data owners and operators can anticipate and mitigate the risks associated with fuel quality, such as cat fines, cold-flow, and stability.

“Testing remains essential for verifying quality, but accumulated data also helps vessel owners and operators make informed fuel procurement decisions,” said Steve Bee, Group Commercial & New Business Development Director, VPS. 

“VPS services provide help in ensuring engines and fuel delivery systems do not suffer damage, crews stay healthy and safe, and ships achieve the required environmental legislation demands. For NorthStandard, Fuel Insights, powered by VPS will help ensure members and shipowners know what to look out for and subsequently enhance their ability to plan preventive maintenance.”

“Beyond mitigation, data could be invaluable to a claim or contract dispute,” added Gillespie. “For example, if substandard fuel was repeatedly linked to a single port, or if fuel issues on board had an onward impact of cargo delays. Shipowners and operators also need full transparency on fuel availability and quality, especially given the rapid rise of alternative fuels,” he said.

VPS controls shipping’s largest and most comprehensive marine fuel quality database, including the most extensive analysis of newer products, such as biofuels and methanol.

“Given that NorthStandard and VPS have the same forward-looking position on digitalisation, this partnership is a natural fit,” commented Bee. 

“Accurate monitoring and reporting also help reduce emissions and will improve vessel performance against carbon intensity indices to ensure owners are on the right side of history.”

 

Photo credit: NorthStandard
Published: 11 September, 2024

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Fuel Testing

China: VPS and Lingang New Area to launch marine fuel testing lab and digital platform

Facility will support the growth of sustainable bunker fuel solutions – including green methanol, LNG, and traditional fuels – providing testing, inspection, and certification services.

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China: VPS and Lingang New Area to launch marine fuel testing lab and digital platform

Marine fuels testing company VPS on Tuesday (5 November) said it joined forces with Lingang New Area to launch a testing lab and digital decarbonisation platform.

On 29 October, VPS signed an agreement with the Lingang New Area Administrative Committee, marking a new chapter in its commitment to cleaner, smarter maritime practices.

“This partnership brings us to the Lingang New Area, where we’ll establish a fuel testing laboratory and a digital platform focused on maritime decarbonisation,” VPS said in a social media post. 

“Our new facility will support the growth of sustainable fuel solutions - including green methanol, LNG, and traditional fuels - providing testing, inspection, and certification services tailored to the evolving needs of the maritime industry.”

VPS added its goal is to drive environmental sustainability by leveraging advanced technology and data insights, helping accelerate the maritime sector’s transition to cleaner fuels and greener operations. 

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 6 November, 2024

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Bunker Fuel Quality

FOBAS: Off-spec water in residual bunker fuels from Balboa, Cristobal and Cartagena

VLSFO and HSFO samples tested by FOBAS were found to have exceeded the 0.50%v/v limit for water as stipulated in the ISO 8217:2024 specification.

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RESIZED Hans Reniers on Unsplash

Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) on Tuesday (5 November) released a bulletin to highlighting several residual fuel samples were found to have exceeded the 0.50%v/v limit for water as stipulated in the ISO 8217:2024 specification:

Recently FOBAS tested several residual fuel samples (VLSFO and HSFO) from Balboa (Panama) which exceeded the 0.50%v/v limit for water as stipulated in the ISO 8217:2024 specification. 

Water content of these fuels range from 0.50%v/v to 2.25%v/v. A smaller number of similar high water fuels were also tested from Cristobal (Panama) and further afield in Cartagena (Columbia).

Water is often found in residual fuels at low levels and occasionally above the 0.50%v/v limit for residual fuels in ISO 8217:2024. Cases of high and off-spec water appear from many ports and suppliers throughout the year, however this is an unusually high number from the same port and wider area.

Low corresponding sodium levels appear to suggest the nature of water in most cases is fresh rather than brackish or saline water.

Water at these levels can often be reduced to acceptable levels (<0.20 %v/v at the engine inlet) with prolonged settling, regular draining and efficient purification, however this can vary from case to case and the levels of water one vessel can handle may be different from another. Attention should be given to optimising separator arrangements and settings and maintaining throughput temperatures at 98 Deg C to enhance separator efficiency.

Storage tank samples taken from the top, middle and bottom of the respective tank(s) should also be taken to confirm the exact water content in the tank and distribution through the fuel. These can also be used if needed as evidence in any dispute or claim that may be pursued.

If any doubt over the adequate reduction of water then vessels should take further samples for analysis from before and after the purifier(s) and at engine entry to confirm reduction of water to acceptable levels for engine entry.

 

Photo credit: Hans Reniers on Unsplash
Published: 6 November, 2024

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Bunker Fuel Quality

Gard: IMO updates fuel oil sampling guidelines

‘MARPOL delivered sample’ size has increased from 400ml to 600ml and must now also be available for checking the flashpoint requirements under SOLAS Regulation II-2/4.2.1, says Gard.

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Maritime protection and indemnity (P&I) club Gard on Thursday (31 November) published an insight on changes to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) guidelines for fuel oil sampling:

Safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil

The minimum 60 degrees Celsius (°C) flashpoint limit in SOLAS Regulation II-2/4.2.1.1 is not new, but the regulations designed to prevent the supply of oil fuel in breach of this limit are. 

In November 2022, the IMO MSC 106 adopted amendments to SOLAS requiring bunker suppliers to provide ships with a declaration prior to bunkering, stating that the flashpoint of the actual oil fuel batch is in conformity with the flashpoint requirements of SOLAS. 

They also clarify that the required information “may be included in the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) according to MARPOL Annex VI/18”. These SOLAS amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2026.

Information to be included in the BDN

Even though the SOLAS amendments have yet to take effect, the new flashpoint documentation requirements for suppliers became effective on 1 May 2024 in an amendment to MARPOL Annex VI. Hence, Appendix V of MARPOL Annex VI already requires the BDN to include information about the fuel oil’s flashpoint, which can be either the flashpoint value measured in °C or a general statement confirming that flashpoint has been measured at or above 70°C. 

New sampling guidelines

To support the regulatory changes, and to account for situations in which oil fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C has been delivered, the IMO has published a circular, MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.18, updating its fuel oil sampling guidelines. The new circular revokes the previous MEPC Resolution 182(59), the 2009 Guidelines for the safe taking of the ‘MARPOL delivered sample’, and extend the use of this sample to include testing of the SOLAS flashpoint requirements.

While the main objectives of the new guidelines and their basic requirements on sampling locations, arrangements, and procedures for taking, labelling and storing the sample, have not changed, it is important to be aware of the following changes:

Sampling methods: Section 4 explicitly requires personnel responsible for primary sampling and preparing the samples for storage to be familiar with equipment and guidelines. Also, representatives of both the ship and supplier should witness the sampling operation.

Sampling and sampling integrity: Section 5 warns against using low-flashpoint solvents to clean samplers and containers prior to use, as this can contaminate samples. 

Retained sample handling: Section 7 requires a minimum sample size of 600ml, up from 400ml previously. 

Retained sample storage: Section 9 transfers responsibility for tracking retained samples from the ship’s Master to the Company. 

Procedures and documentation following testing of retained sample: New Section 10 describes the procedures and documentation requirements for situations requiring a fuel oil’s flashpoint to be checked. The sulphur verification procedures detailed in Appendix VI of MARPOL Annex VI remain unchanged.

Furthermore, keep in mind that the retained ‘MARPOL delivered sample’ should only be used to test for compliance with the convention requirements and not to resolve commercial quality disputes. 

 

Photo credit: william william on Unsplash
Published: 5 November, 2024

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