SIBCON 2026: VPS emphasises quality control and strategic growth in marine fuel transition

Captain Rahul Choudhuri, President, Strategic Partnerships at VPS, on Wednesday (14 October) underscored the critical importance of rigorous fuel management and quality control as the maritime industry navigates a complex energy transition.

Speaking at the panel discussion Fuelling the Present & Bridging The Future: Market for Conventional & Biofuels to 2030 at the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2026), Captain Choudhuri provided a high-level assessment of the current fuel landscape.

He emphasised that while alternative bunker fuels are gaining traction, the industry must remain vigilant regarding the quality of both conventional and emerging marine fuel products.

Quality Challenges in a Shifting Market

Captain Choudhuri noted that fossil fuels – specifically heavy fuel oil (HFO), very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), marine gas oil(MGO) and ultra-low sulphur fuel oil (ULSFO) – continue to dominate the sector, accounting for 98% of the fuels tested within the VPS portfolio of 15,000 vessels, with 2% going to biofuels.

However, he warned that bunker quality alerts have increased over the past year, a trend he described as concerning but not surprising given increase in global conflicts.

These alerts, which VPS issues when multiple off-specification cases occur in a specific port within a short timeframe, are intended to provide the industry with objective data to make informed operational decisions.  He highlighted specific technical risks, such as high aluminium and silicon content, which can cause significant damage to engine components.

Captain Choudhuri stressed that operators must prioritise robust fuel management to mitigate these risks, noting that while approximately 95% of fuels are satisfactory on average (with some regions being high double digits whereas others can be low single digit), the remaining 5% of off-specification fuels require careful understanding and management.

The Rise of Biofuels

Despite the dominance of fossil fuels, Captain Choudhuri highlighted the rapid growth of the biofuel sector, which VPS has seen a 113% annual growth rate over the last five years. He noted that Singapore accounts for roughly half of the global uptake in 2025.

“It’s not a new type of fuel anymore,” Choudhuri remarked, pointing out that 180 shipowners are now lifting biofuels across 100 ports worldwide.

However, he cautioned that the adoption of biofuels does not eliminate the need for strict quality controls. He cited oxidation stability as a key concern, noting that approximately 3% of biofuel blends show deficiencies in this area, which can lead to fuel degradation if not properly managed.

A Call for Standards and Collaboration

To navigate these challenges, Captain Choudhuri urged the industry to adhere to established international standards, including ISO 8217:2024, Singapore’s TR 140 biofuel standard, and the European EN 14214 standard for B100.

He also encouraged the exploration of new, sustainable feedstocks, such as Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), provided they are backed by thorough research and quality control.

Looking ahead, Captain Choudhuri adopted a philosophical perspective on the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.

He emphasised that shipping is inextricably linked to the global energy transition, noting that while the industry is working to decarbonise its own operations, it also plays a vital role where ironically 40% of seaborne trade in fact carries the very coal, oil & gas the world uses today.

“In these uncertain times, we need to take measured steps by feeling the stones as we cross the river,” he concluded, advocating for a pragmatic, step-by-step approach to the energy transition.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 16 October 2026