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VPS: Houston contaminated VLSFO bunker fuel was also supplied in Singapore

Out of 14 vessels bunkered with contaminated VLSFO, 12 of them received their fuel in Houston while two vessels received their fuel in Singapore; fuel delivered by four suppliers.

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Marine fuel testing firm VPS on Monday (7 August) delivered an update on the recent VLSFO marine fuel contamination in Houston, revealing out of 14 vessels, two vessels were supplied with contaminated fuel oil in Singapore and 12 vessels received it in Houston.  

On 10 July, VPS informed its customers and the wider market, of the presence of Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) isomers at significantly high levels within VLSFO bunker fuel deliveries in Houston. The contaminants were detected using in-house GC-MS (Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometer) analytical methodologies.

Initially, VPS highlighted eleven vessels had suffered operational issues, such as loss of power and propulsion whilst at sea. These effects resulted from fuel leakage in the ICU (Injection Control Unit) units and fuel pumps not being able to develop the required fuel pressure, affecting only the Auxilary engines and not Main engines. The contaminated VLSFO had been delivered in Houston, by one single fuel supplier.

Four weeks later, VPS can now provide a further update on the spread of this fuel contamination issue: Fourteen vessels in total, have now received this contaminated fuel and suffered some form of damage to their auxiliary engines and fuel delivery systems. Twelve of the vessels received their fuel in Houston, whilst a further two vessels received their fuel in Singapore, with the fuel delivered by four suppliers.

The specific contaminants are:

  • Di-hydro dicyclopentadiene
  • Chemical CAS Number: 448-57-7
  • Tetra-hydro dicyclopentadiene
  • Chemical CAS Number: 6004-38-2

DCPD’s are unsaturated chemical compounds which can polymerise and oxidise under certain conditions. However, the rate of this polymerisation process can be reduced by the presence of inhibitors that are typically found within fuel oil.

Should these compounds start polymerising, the fuel begins to exhibit a level of stickiness and become more viscous, making it difficult for moving components, such as fuel pump plungers and the fuel injector spindles to move freely. These effects cause damage to the fuel injection system.

Over a period of time excessive sludge formation is likely to be experienced. The DCPD compounds that were detected in this fuel ranged from 3,000 to 7,000 ppm (0.3-0.7%) per delivery.

VPS employed it’s own proprietary GCMS Vacuum distillation methodology to detect DCPD, in preference to the ASTM D7845, Standard Test Method for Determination of Chemical Species in Marine Fuel Oil by GCMS. The VPS methodology is capable of detecting and measuring the DCPD and its isomers, whereas the ASTM D7845 methodology is limited to detecting only 29 chemical contaminants, which does not include DCPD species.

In addition to the fourteen vessels suffering damages from burning this fuel, a further 18 vessels who received the contaminated fuel from thirteen additional suppliers, either witnessed no adverse reactions, or simply did not provide any feedback regarding any damages.

In total, the volume of contaminated fuel delivered to the 32 vessels, was 61,494 metric tonnes. Three vessels de-bunkered the contaminated fuel prior to burning, following a “Caution” result from the VPS Chemical Screening service, highlighting the value of this pre-burn service.

A further three vessels de-bunkered the fuel after suffering initial engine damage from burning the fuel. Whilst another two vessels burnt the fuel in their main engines without issue after switching it from their auxiliary engines, where it had caused operational damage.

Figures showing sludge formation in filters (top) and ceased fuel pump plunger (bottom)

VPS: Houston contaminated VLSFO bunker fuel was also supplied in Singapore
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Related: VPS identifies new bunker fuel contamination at Houston
Related: FOBAS: Possible bunker fuel contamination in Houston and US Gulf area
Related: Viswa Group gives update on bunker fuel issues in Houston
Related: FuelTrust analysis finds fuel content discrepancies in 39% of global bunker deliveries

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 8 August, 2023

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Port & Regulatory

Singapore: MPA issues circular on resolutions adopted by IMO MEPC 84

MPA urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions, which includes use of multiple engine operational profiles for a marine diesel engine.

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (14 July) issued Shipping Circular No. 7 of 2026 to inform on the resolutions adopted by MEPC 84, which was held from 27 April to 1 May 2026:

This circular informs the shipping community of the resolutions adopted by MEPC 84 and urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions.

MEPC 84 adopted the following mandatory resolutions:

  • Resolution MEPC.407(84) – Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Clarification of entries in data reporting required by Regulations 27 and 28, designation of the North-East Atlantic as an Emission  Control Area for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter, accessibility to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database, and review clause of the short-term GHG reduction measure)

This resolution adopts amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, concerning the clarification of entries in data reporting required by regulations 27 and 28, the designation of the North-East Atlantic as an Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides, Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Oxides, the accessibility of the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (IMO DCS), and the review clause of the short-term GHG reduction measure. The amendments will enter into force on 1 September 2027 and will be given effect through the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Air) Regulations.

  • Resolution MEPC.408(84) – Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Use of multiple engine operational profiles for a marine diesel engine, including clarifying engine test cycles)

This resolution adopts amendments to MARPOL Annex VI concerning the use of multiple engine operational profiles for a marine diesel engine, including clarifying the engine test cycles. The amendments will enter into force on 1 September 2027 and will be given effect through the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Air) Regulations.

MEPC 84 also adopted the following resolutions:

  • Resolution MEPC.406(84) – Actions to ensure the protection of the marine environment in the Arabian Sea, Sea of Oman and the Gulf Region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz, resulting from the unlawful activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran

This resolution condemns the attacks against commercial and merchant vessels and maritime infrastructure in the Gulf region. The resolution expresses deep concern over the risks these attacks pose to the marine environment, while encouraging member States to strengthen pollution preparedness and response cooperation.

  • Resolution MEPC.409(84) – 2026 Guidelines for Ballast Water Management (BWM) and Development of BWM Plans (G4)

This resolution adopts the 2026 Guidelines for BWM and development of BWM Plans, as part of the BWM Convention review. The Committee resolves to revoke the Guidelines for ballast water management and development of BWM Plans adopted by resolution MEPC.127(53) and amended by resolutions MEPC.306(73) and MEPC.370(80) when the amendments to the BWM Convention approved at MEPC 84 enter into force.

  • Resolution MEPC.410(84) – Amendments to the 2022 Guidelines on the Method of Calculation of the Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for New Ships

This resolution adopts the amendments to the 2022 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained EEDI for new ships, to address dual-fuel engines using two liquid fuels, particularly methanol and ethanol, in the EEDI framework.

  • Resolution MEPC.411(84) – 2026 Guidelines on Survey and Certification of EEDI

This resolution adopts the 2026 Guidelines on survey and certification of the EEDI, to address dual-fuel engines using two liquid fuels, particularly methanol and ethanol, in the EEDI framework.

These Guidelines supersede the 2022 Guidelines on survey and certification of the EEDI (resolution MEPC.365(79), as amended by resolutions MEPC.374(80) and MEPC.403(83)).

  • Resolution MEPC.412(84) – Amendments to the 2022 Guidelines on Operational Carbon Intensity Indicators and the Calculation Methods (CII Guidelines, G1)

This resolution adopts the amendments to the 2022 CII Guidelines, G1, relating to the clarification of CII calculation obligations in the context of enhanced IMO DCS granularity reporting, specifically on “Transport work (W)”.

  • Resolution MEPC.413(84) – Amendments to the 2024 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (2024 SEEMP Guidelines)

This resolution adopts amendments to the 2024 SEEMP Guidelines, relating to the clarification of CII calculation obligations in the context of enhanced IMO DCS granularity reporting, specifically on the “Distance travelled”.

  • Resolution MEPC.414(84) – 2026 Guidelines for test-bed and onboard measurements of methane (CH4) and/or nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from marine diesel engines

This resolution adopts the 2026 Guidelines for test-bed and onboard measurements of methane (CH4) and/or nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from marine diesel engines, and supersede the earlier Guidelines adopted by resolution MEPC.402(83).

  • Resolution MEPC.415(84) – Guidelines for engine load monitoring (ELM) and calculation of emission values

This resolution adopts the Guidelines for ELM and calculation of emission values, to specify the method for ELM to establish factors that reflect the actual operation of a marine diesel engine, and for the calculation of emission values.

  • Resolution MEPC.416(84) – Guidelines for continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) used to quantify methane (CH4) and/or nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from marine diesel engines

This resolution adopts the Guidelines for CEMS used to quantify methane (CH4) and/or nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from marine diesel engines, which aim to provide a uniform framework for the onboard measurement and mass basis quantification of emissions.

  • Resolution MEPC.417(84) – 2026 Strategy and the Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships

This resolution adopts the 2026 Strategy and the Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships.

Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to MPA Shipping Division via email at [email protected].

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 14 July, 2026

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Business

Oilmar appoints Shawn Ho to senior bunker trading role in Singapore

Ho has been appointed as the Senior Manager, Business Development and Bunker Trading in Oilmar’s Trading Department.

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Oilmar appoints Shawn Ho to senior bunker trading role in Singapore

UAE-based marine fuel and petroleum products trader Oilmar on Monday (13 July) announced the appointment of Shawn Ho as Senior Manager, Business Development and Bunker Trading in its Trading Department in Singapore.

Ho has more than 15 years of experience in the petroleum industry, including 11 years at Toyota Tsusho Petroleum and four years at Adani Global. His experience covers bunker trading, operations, market analysis and risk management.

“His extensive expertise in commercial trading, strategic negotiations, and developing strong partnerships with suppliers and customers makes him a valuable addition to our team,” the company said in a social media post. 

“As Oilmar continues to expand its global presence and strengthen its position in the marine fuels market, Shawn’s experience, industry insight, and commercial leadership will play an important role in driving our continued growth and delivering value to our customers.”

 

Photo credit: Oilmar
Published: 14 July, 2026

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Business

Seascale Energy hires Soo Yong Koo as Business Development Director in Singapore

In her new role, Koo will focus on supporting customer growth, strengthening commercial partnerships, and helping customers navigate an increasingly complex marine fuels landscape.

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Seascale Energy hires Soo Yong Koo as Business Development Director in Singapore

Seascale Energy, a bunker procurement joint venture of Cargill’s Pure Marine Fuels and Hafnia’s Bunker Alliance, on Friday (10 July) announced the appointment of Soo Yong Koo as the Business Development Director of the company. 

Based at Seascale Energy’s Singapore hub, Koo has more than 25 years of experience in the maritime and energy trading sectors, with expertise in marine fuels, commercial management, business development and customer relations.

She has held senior commercial roles at Trafigura, Mabanaft and BP, with experience spanning physical bunker operations and global sales.

Koo is an active contributor to the marine fuels industry, having served as a Board Member of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), Asia, a member of the Working Group for Marine Fuels under the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC), and as a member of the Singapore Shipping Association’s (SSA) Marine Fuels Committee.

In her new role, Koo will focus on supporting customer growth, strengthening commercial partnerships, and helping customers navigate an increasingly complex marine fuels landscape. 

The company added that her experience across both conventional and emerging marine fuels aligns closely with Seascale Energy’s ambition to deliver transparent, scalable, and future-ready fuel procurement solutions.

“Soo Yong is highly respected in marine fuels, with 25 years of commercial and operational experience and a strong industry footprint across the IBIA, SCIC and SSA. Her appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening how we serve customers in Asia and beyond as the fuels landscape continues to evolve,” said Peter Grünwaldt and Olivier Josse, Co-CEOs, Seascale Energy.

 

Photo credit: Seascale Energy
Published: 14 July, 2026

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