A new quality concern has emerged for shipowners bunkering in Asia. Marine insurer Skuld has issued an advisory warning members that fuels supplied across Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia have shown compositions consistent with the presence of shale oil components.
Skuld noted that while the suspect fuels meet standard ISO 8217 parameters, advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) testing has revealed elevated concentrations: hydrocarbon compounds such as dihydro-dicyclopentadiene and indene running between 5,000 and 14,000 parts per million, and alkylresorcinol derivatives between 4,700 and 6,000 ppm.
The insurer recalled that similarly elevated concentrations had been seen previously in VLSFO bunkered in the ARA region in 2019, commonly associated with Estonian shale oil. Although shale oil is not classified as a contaminant under ISO 8217, in high concentrations the compounds can cause sludge formation, filter and purifier fouling, fuel-injection system issues and degraded engine performance.
Skuld also flagged the possibility of deliberate malpractice, suggesting that some suppliers may be using cheaper, lower-quality blend components in response to price and availability pressures. The advisory adds a fresh layer to the post-IMO 2020 marine fuel quality debate.
The insurer recommended that shipowners vet bunker suppliers carefully, request clarity on blend components, and commission extended GCMS testing. Standard ISO 8217 analysis alone, Skuld stressed, will not detect the phenolic compounds at issue. The development pushes Asian bunker reliability back onto the supply chain risk map for global tramp and liner fleets.
Key Takeaways:
1. Skuld flagged shale-oil-consistent compositions in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia bunkers.
2. Standard ISO 8217 looks clean; advanced GCMS revealed 5,000-14,000 ppm hydrocarbon concentrations.
3. High concentrations can cause sludge, filter and purifier fouling and fuel-injection issues.
4. The insurer flagged possible deliberate malpractice from some suppliers under price pressure.
5. Skuld recommends supplier vetting, blend disclosure and extended GCMS testing beyond ISO 8217.
