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Leading bunker trader urges caution on fuelsLeading bunker trader urges caution on fuels

Integr8 Fuels has warned that the rapidly changing marine fuels market presents a number of new challenges relating to quality, blending, security of supply, and regulation.

Paul Bartlett, Correspondent

January 15, 2025

3 Min Read
HMM Tacoma bunkering biofuels in September 2023
HMM Tacoma bunkering biofuels in September 2023Credit: HMM

At a Glance

  • Managing FuelEU compliance with a fleet wide approach and biofuels
  • Continued concern over sulphur content in VLSFO
  • Mediterranean Emissions Control Area (ECA) set to boost LNG demand in the region

Bunker trader and fuel supply company, Integr8 Fuels, which supplies marine fuels in more than a thousand ports around the world, has urged shipowners and operators to exercise caution as they procure bunkers in today’s rapidly changing marine fuel environment.

In its latest Bunker Quality Trends report, published yesterday, lead author, the company’s Bunker Quality & Claims Manager, Chris Turner, identifies five specific issues which bunker buyers should bear in mind.

One, viscosity. The introduction of the ISO 8217:2024 specification has led to warnings about the viscosity of very low sulphur fuel oils (VLSFO), a significant proportion of which – 45% – would not meet the required RM380 specification without adjustments to their composition. The report identifies Singapore and Houston as ‘hotspots for adjustment’, with more than two-thirds of VLSFO in Singapore requiring reformulation. Amendments to charterparty wording could be required to ensure that suppliers comply with the latest standards, the bunker specialist says.

Two, compliance. The Integr8 report recommends that compliance with regulations such as FuelEU Maritime is best managed with a fleet-wide approach, or between ships in a number of fleets – pooling. The target is a 2% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity between two EU ports, which requires a 3% biofuel blended with VLSFO or high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), or a 2% blend with marine gasoil.

Related:Equatorial orders LNG bunkering vessel from CIMC Enric

There are various biofuel grades available, including B24, B30 blends, and pure B100, but their availability varies between ports and regions. Careful biofuel management is necessary, therefore, Integr8 declares, and GHG intensity figures in Proof of Sustainability documents from suppliers need to be thoroughly checked.

Three, barges. Sulphur compliance for VLSFO remains a concern, the company says, with a significant volume of fuel exceeding the 95% confidence limits for ISO 8217 parameters over the past six months. Non-compliance varies geographically with a greater likelihood in Rotterdam and Balboa than in Singapore, for example. Switching between HSFO and VLSFO on bunker barges is a contributory factor and the Integr8 report recommends data-driven procurement and robust supplier practices.

Four, automotive fuels. These fuels often have a minimum flashpoint of 55°C, below the 60°C threshold mandated by SOLAS. The report identifies ports where the risk is greatest and calls for more care when bunkering in regions which rely on automotive diesel imports.

Five, biofuels and LNG. Biofuels and LNG are noted as transitional fuels for meeting new regulations, including FuelEU Maritime, now in force, and the Mediterranean Emissions Control Area (ECA), effective from May this year. Integr8 has various concerns here, including biofuel-related cold flow challenges in colder regions and the small number of LNG bunker vessels commissioned so far, particularly when the ECA in May is likely to boost LNG demand significantly across the region.

The bunker company has a network of about 450 vetted marine fuel suppliers servicing about 5,000 vessels every year. The company is certified to supply sustainable biofuels, has expertise in LNG as fuel, and can assist with EU Allowance trading. 

Read more about:

BiofuelsGHG emissions

About the Author

Paul Bartlett

Correspondent

UK-based Paul Bartlett is a maritime journalist and consultant with over four decades of experience in international shipping, including ship leasing, project finance and financial due diligence procedures.

Paul is a former Editor of Seatrade magazine, which later became Seatrade Maritime Review, and has contributed to a range of Seatrade publications over the years including Seatrade’s Green Guide, a publication investigating early developments in maritime sustainability initiatives, and Middle East Workboats and Offshore Marine, focusing on the vibrant market for such vessels across that region.

In 2002, Paul set up PB Marine Consulting Ltd and has worked on a variety of consultancy projects during the last two decades. He has also contributed regular articles on the maritime sector for a range of shipping publications and online services in Europe, Asia, and the US.

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