Business

Gard members and clients find chlorinated hydrocarbons in Singapore bunkers

Affected vessels reporting operational problems that may be caused by contaminated bunkers, mostly HSFO, stemmed in Singapore in Q1 2022.

Published

4 years ago

April 1, 2022

Admin

Maritime Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club Gard on Wednesday (30 March) issued an alert indicating members and clients reporting operational problems that may be caused by contaminated bunkers, mostly HSFO, stemmed in Singapore in the first quarter of 2022:

We refer to Veritas Petroleum Services’ (VPS) Alert No. 05/2022 dated 11 March 2022 reporting that high levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons have been noted in fuel samples of HSFO deliveries from Singapore. While the deliveries were made by different suppliers during this time, the ISO 8217, Table 2 test requirements were met. The presence of contaminants was found during enhanced testing – GC-MS (Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometer), which revealed chlorinated hydrocarbons and organic chlorides. Gard Members can access the VPS Alert here.

VPS advises that the consequences of such contamination include worn out fuel pumps, fuel valve problems and subsequently the main or auxiliary engines failing to start. Gard insured vessels have experienced operational issues that may be related to contaminated stems including blackouts, loss of propulsion, high exhaust temperature deviation and excessive sludging in the fuel system. In some cases, the vessels even required a tow to port. The long terms effect of these contaminants on the machinery, if any, are not yet known.

Subsequent to the VPS alert, Gard also contacted other industry organizations to ascertain if they have had similar experiences. We have not received feedback at the time of drafting this alert although we have been made aware that a number of testing laboratories have published client alerts on this issue that corroborate the VPS findings. We would like to mention that these findings do not reflect the overall quality of bunkers supplied in Singapore.

Given that Gard has experienced a few severe cases of main engine breakdown, we would reiterate some of the recommendations in the VPS alert as well as Gard’s previous advice on additional testing mentioned in our Insight “Contaminated bunker issue continues to spread” which related to the spate of contaminated bunkers originating in Houston in 2018 and 2019.

Key recommendations

Ship’s crew on vessels that have recently stemmed HSFO bunkers in Singapore should be aware of the possible presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons and the potential effects on the vessel operation. Before using the fuel, owners, operators and charterers may consider seeking assurances from the supplier that the fuel has been tested for chlorinated hydrocarbons and request documentation of the results. At this time, the affected fuel seems to be limited to HFSO, that is, fuel that is intended for consumption by vessels fitted with scrubbers in order to comply with MARPOL sulphur emission standards. This alert does not apply to distillates.
Owners and managers should consider arranging for testing of samples taken before and after the fuel treatment plant to gauge the fuel oil quality at the engine inlet. This will indicate whether the purification system is functioning optimally. It could give early indications of increased engine wear-and-tear and will assist in resolving fuel quality disputes.
On testing requirements for manifold delivery samples, owners and managers can consider ordering investigative analysis, beyond what is required as per Table 2 of ISO 8217, especially when the vessel is experiencing operational issues. Advanced tests such as GC-MS may help to identify contaminants that could cause damage to the main or auxiliary engines.
Owners and charterers should be aware that bunker supply contracts contain various time limits and methods for notification to the bunker provider of problematic fuel. The purchaser should review the bunker sale contract terms and conditions carefully and provide timely notice of operational problems that may be related to the fuel supplied.
Having a constructive dialogue with the bunker suppliers before taking on bunkers to discuss the concerns related to the possible presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons in HSFO can also yield positive results.
Lastly, bunker samples taken at the time of delivery will be relevant evidence that may help to resolve a dispute between owners and charterers regarding the compliance of the fuel supplied as well as between seller and purchaser under the bunker sale contract. For more information please refer to our alertand poster on bunker sampling.

We would like to thank Veritas Petroleum Services for the information.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Source: Gard
Published: 1 April, 2022

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.

Published

4 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Admin

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

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.

Published

4 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Admin

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

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.

Published

4 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Admin

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