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VPS publishes 2023 annual review of its findings on bunker fuels

Findings in VPS’ review include 58% of its 2023 Bunker Alerts were for VLSFO fuels, followed by 24% for MGO fuels and 14% for HSFO; most common problematic parameter was Flash Point.

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Marine fuels testing company VPS on Tuesday (16 January) published an article titled ‘2023 Marine Bunker Fuels Review’ by Steve Bee, VPS Group Commercial Director, giving insightful annual review of VPS findings on both global and regional maritime fuel matters, focusing on marine fuels. 

Introduction

2023 saw the continuing evolution and the widening of available maritime fuel types and grades, as the global shipping industry gathered decarbonisation momentum to reduce its emissions and achieve current and future legislation targets. Existing CII and EEXI requirements, the incoming EU ETS legislation, plus the slightly longer-term IMO legislation, saw increasing demand for additional testing, lower-carbon fuels, data and digitalisation solutions across the shipping sectors.

As the leading maritime decarbonisation testing and advisory services provider, VPS continued to be at the forefront of marine fuels and lubricants analysis, utilising our experience, expertise and innovative approach, to support this drive for a more sustainable shipping fleet.  

Throughout the year, VPS witnessed further fuel quality issues with VLSFOs in terms of cold-flow property issues, sulphur compliance and cat-fines. HSFO and VLSFO suffered numerous degrees of chemical contamination, whilst MGO suffered from cold-flow, flash point and FAME off-specifications.

Biofuels usage certainly gathered momentum and the increased demand from the market led to increasing queries regarding their fuel management and their “fit-for-purpose” as a drop-in marine fuel, which in turn called upon VPS to provide answers and solutions to customers, utilising our extensive knowledge and understanding of biofuels and their associated test parameters. 

The Marine Fuel Mix

Across 2023, the fuel mix with respect to samples received for testing in VPS laboratories, equated to 62.7 million MT, which is over 5 million MT of marine fuels per month. VLSFO was the most popular marine fuel with 54.3% of the fuels used, followed by 29.5% HSFO (a growth of 15.4% over 2022), 14.2% MGO, 1.2% ULSFO and 0.8% Biofuels. Regarding biofuels usage, the samples tested by VPS equated to an increase from 231,000 MT in 2022 to 558,000 MT in 2023.

VPS 2023 MARINE BUNKER FUELS REVIEW

VPS Bunker Alerts

Bunker Alerts highlight short term fuel quality issues identified by VPS, for a specific test parameter of a specific fuel grade/type in a specific port. The service provides valuable information to customers, to assist in avoiding potentially problematic fuel types in a highlighted port or region, to further protect the customer’s asset and crew.

In 2023 VPS issued 28 Bunker Alerts, eight fewer than in 2022. The 2023 Bunker Alerts included all major fuel grades, i.e. VLSFO, HSFO, MGO and ULSFO, ten different test parameters, 12 ports and 9 countries.

58% of the 2023 Bunker Alerts were for VLSFO fuels, followed by 24% for MGO fuels and 14% for HSFO. The most common problematic parameter was Flash Point, accounting for 28% of the Bunker Alerts, followed by Sodium at 24%, with Sulphur and TSP at 10% each.

Singapore (32%) and ARA (21%) were the regions/ports most frequently requiring a Bunker Alert to be issued. But as these are the two busiest bunkering regions, it is not too surprising.

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Screenshot 2024 01 29 104316 1

VLSFO Fuel Quality

As the most used marine fuel type, VLSFO accounts for more than half of the fuels tested by VPS. In terms of quality, Europe provided the highest level of off-specification VLSFOs in both 2023 (7.8%) and 2022 (7.9%). Africa provided the next highest level of off-specification fuels with 6.7% in 2023 and 7.0% in 2022, with North America third with 4.4% of fuels tested exhibiting at least one off-specification parameter in 2023 and 4.3% in 2022.

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Screenshot 2024 01 29 104316 3

Sulphur is the most common off-specification parameter of VLSFOs, accounting for 26.6% of VLSFO off-specs in 2023 and 31.5% in 2022. 0.7% of VLSFOs tested in 2023 had a sulphur level of 0.50%-0.53%, with 0.5% of samples tested having a sulphur level greater than 0.53%.

Pour Point was also a common off-specification parameter for VLSFOs with 13.6% of VLSFOs off-specs relating to this parameter in 2023 an increase over the 11.4% level witnessed in 2022. 

The importance of the additional cold-flow test of Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT) and Wax Disappearance Temperature (WDT), was highlighted in 2023 with 63% of VLSFOs exhibiting WAT of 31-40ºC and 14% having WAT between 41-50ºC. 55.7% of VLSFO samples had a WDT of 41-50ºC, with 28.1% having a WDT of >50ºC. VLSFOs cold-flow properties are a definite concern with wax precipitating from the fuel at temperatures way in excess of 10ºC above the pour point, potentially causing numerous operational problems such as filter and pipework blockages.

Sulphur is the most common off-specification parameter of VLSFOs, accounting for 26.6% of VLSFO off-specs in 2023 and 31.5% in 2022. 0.7% of VLSFOs tested in 2023 had a sulphur level of 0.50%-0.53%, with 0.5% of samples tested having a sulphur level greater than 0.53%.

Pour Point was also a common off-specification parameter for VLSFOs with 13.6% of VLSFOs off-specs relating to this parameter in 2023 an increase over the 11.4% level witnessed in 2022. 

The importance of the additional cold-flow test of Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT) and Wax Disappearance Temperature (WDT), was highlighted in 2023 with 63% of VLSFOs exhibiting WAT of 31-40ºC and 14% having WAT between 41-50ºC. 55.7% of VLSFO samples had a WDT of 41-50ºC, with 28.1% having a WDT of >50ºC. VLSFOs cold-flow properties are a definite concern with wax precipitating from the fuel at temperatures way in excess of 10ºC above the pour point, potentially causing numerous operational problems such as filter and pipework blockages.

2023 also saw a significant increase in cat-fine levels in VLSFOs, with 12.7% of all off-specifications relating to this parameter, compared to 8.5% in 2022. 16.2% of all VLSFOs showed a cat-fine level greater than 40ppm. Frequent checking of purifier efficiency via VPS’ Fuel System Checks (FSC) service is a highly recommended proactive safeguard in respect to increased cat-fines within VLSFOs.

VLSFO viscosities vary enormously depending upon to blend components used. In 2023 VLSFO viscosities ranged from <20Cst to >380Cst. 16% of all VLSFO off-specifications were due to viscosity. Only 0.5% of VLSFOs had a viscosity of >380Cst. 68% of all VLSFO viscosities were less than 180Cst. Viscosity is such a key operational parameter, determining the transfer and injection temperatures of fuel onboard ships and therefore determining the exact viscosity of VLSFOs is crucial to ensure optimal efficiency.

Biofuels

As global shipping looks towards low-to-zero carbon fuels to answer many emissions reduction challenges, biofuels offer an immediate “drop-in” solution. As such VPS tested the equivalent of over 500,000 MT of biofuels in 2023 compared to ca. 230,000 MT in 2022.

Europe, (mainly ARA-region) provided the highest volume of biofuels at almost 400K MT (ca. 74%) and Singapore second (ca. 21%), providing just over 100K MT.

The most common biofuel blend was B30 (10-30% bio), which accounted for 34.3% of biofuel samples tested by VPS. Yet, B100 (>90% bio) was not far behind with 30.1%.

The majority of biofuels contained Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) as the bio-component, although VPS did test others containing HVO, HEFA, Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) and Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO).

Where FAME is the bio-component within marine biofuels, the key considerations are:

  • Energy Content, Renewable Content
  • Fuel Stability, Cold-Flow Properties
  • Corrosivity, Microbial Growth

Of the biofuels tested by VPS in 2023, 9% of those tested for oxidation stability gave the concerning result of <5 hours, highlighting a high degree of instability, whilst 6.7% gave a result of 5-8 hours which is still a cause for concern.

In terms of corrosivity, 11.9% of those biofuels tested provided an amber/caution result, whilst 8.5% of those tested provide a red warning, indicating potential high levels of corrosivity.

It is fully expected that the growth in biofuels usage for marine applications will continue to increase across 2024 and the VPS Additional Protection Service (APS) when using biofuels, will only increase in importance as the industry looks for more information regarding the fuel management of biofuels.

Summary

2023 once again highlighted the importance of bunker fuel quality testing, as a proactive means to protect vessels, their crew and the environment. With additional tests, currently not included within ISO8217, providing further  vital information in achieving heightened levels of protection.

Whilst we can expect a new revision of ISO8217 in early 2024, additional tests will still hold an important role in fuel management.

Biofuels usage will continue to increase in demand and importance, as ship owners and operators look to achieve improvements through CII and EEXI, as well as looking to counter the financial impact of the EU ETS scheme.

Methanol demand and usage will also grow, following the recent success of Maersk’s Laura Maersk and the rapidly growing order book for methanol-powered vessels.

So 2024, suggests another year of widening marine fuel types and grades coming to market, coupled with their growing fuel management considerations.

Note: The full article titled ‘2023 Marine Bunker Fuels Review’ with related graphs and charts can be found here

Related: World’s first methanol-fuelled boxship christened and named “Laura Maersk”

 

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 30 January, 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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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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