Fuel testing and inspection agency Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) has highlighted several bunker fuel quality trends for 2018 when compared to historical data.
“It is quite clear that heavy fuel oil and distillates progressed from an 80/20 mix in the earlier years to the 60/40 mix that we see today; this will change in 2020 but that is story yet to be written,” Rahul Choudhuri, Managing Director of VPS, told delegates at the Argus Media Singapore Bunker Fuel Seminar on Friday.
“As we dig deeper looking at trends starting from 2015 moving to 2017, what becomes apparent and clear is bunker fuels are getting more complex and off-spec bunker cases are happening in a larger group of countries.”
Locations such as Curacao, Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Mauritius and Taiwan, not listed as locations with off-spec marine fuel in 2017, joined VPS’ off-spec bunker list in 2018.
Choudhuri, meanwhile, noted ISO 8217:2017, the latest ISO specification for marine fuel, being widely adopted and used for 70% of bunker contracts at Europe in 2018.
However, the case is opposite for the Asia Pacific and U.S. markets as the old ISO 8217:2005 standard is still being used for 70% of bunker contracts this year.
VPS also recorded data showing 23% of shipowners and operators not taking bunker samples properly in the Singapore market.
“If 23% of bunker samples are not properly conducted in Singapore, which has one the best bunkering standards in the world, what do you think is happening at the other ports?” Questions Choudhuri.
“Incorrect sampling procedures such as monitoring, sealing and documentation will cause serious issues in dispute resolutions.”
The development which seriously compromises a stakeholder’s chances in successful fuel quality claims can be simply solved by using a professional surveyor, he suggests.
Another development at Singapore, in the form of selected bunker industry players allegedly removing ISO 8217 Clause 5 from their bunker contracts, is a negative development to the industry.
“It is quite sad and unthinkable we have players in the industry looking at removing Clause 5. I think this is a fundamental Clause to ensure the fuel is fit for use and fit for purpose where it will not affect machinery and jeopardise safety,” he notes.
According to Choudhuri, contaminated fuels is not a new development within the bunker industry and VPS has recorded similar cases as far as two decades back.
“Over the last two decades, we have seen on average one case of contaminated bunkers per year and the number of vessels in each case has been relatively small,” he says.
“There has been a commonality of damages incurred by vessels such as filter clogging, damage to fuel pumps, damage to injection systems, sludging and black out.
“However, the source of the chemical contaminants has never been clear.”
Moving forward, Choudhuri highlights additional quality controls will be required in the future to keep contaminated bunker fuels in check, while the use of the latest fuel quality specification is still a best practise for parties to avoid operational issues.
“Fuel quality issues knows no location boundaries,” he states.
“Put in place a plan to evaluate new fuels so you are ready in time for 2020.”
Photo credit: Nadiah Zulkifle, IBIA (Asia)
Published: 3 September, 2018
Bunker supplier suggested to provide CoQ of Aluminium + Silicon concentration during bunkering.
Industry association has studied the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” package and highlights a number of potential consequences and concerns.
Fuels with high sediments can result in excessive sludge deposition in tanks and fuel systems.
Challenging to determine the precise quantity of any unusual compounds due to no common expert guidance.
Atlantic entrance saw 78,535 mt of bunkers sold in July 2018, an 86.0% increase over July 2017.
Demand for spot bunker fuel in Singapore strengthened this week over Opec+ group's indecision about output levels that lowered crude prices overnight.
Transferred shares of 40 subsidiaries to BVI firm after tribunal awarded claims in favour of Trinity Seatrading; YSPL has also filed a civil complaint against DNV and Liberian ship registry at Nanjing Maritime Court.
ADNOC L&S, Gulf Energy Maritime, Cockett Marine Oil, Mideast/Bahri Ship Management and VPS experts present their views on biofuel bunker hurdles at the VPS Biofuels Seminar in Dubai on 16 March.
‘Bunker barges operate in very local areas so these vessels call at port very often which means it will be a good fit for women with families,’ states Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International.
“Our Singapore branch is under preparation and is expected to start business at the republic before June 2023,” Managing Director Darcy Wong tells bunkering publication Manifold Times in an interview.
Development to supply B35 biodiesel blend officially takes effect on 1 February; local bunker suppliers will be able to deliver updated spec within March onwards, once current stocks of B30 avails run out.
VPS, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, and INTERTANKO executives offered a multitude of perspectives to 73 attendees during the VPS Biofuels Seminar, reports Manifold Times.
