Press Release

VPS and NorthStandard have been collaborating over the past few months on incorporating fuel quality analytics into NorthStandard’s new Get SET! digital portfolio. This collaboration has culminated into the launch of the NorthStandard Fuel Insights platform.

The NorthStandard Fuel Insights app, powered by VPS PortStats, offers NorthStandard account holders with a customised and exclusive view on fuel quality trends, based on the data generated by VPS’ laboratories located in key bunkering hubs across the globe. Bunker procurement professionals can use this data to improve decision-making, by including off-specs and calorific value to the rationale, whilst technical managers can use the data to anticipate fuel quality risks to avoid bad bunkers.

The digital platform also provides insights beyond off-specs, by highlighting cautionary cases that may require additional treatment or operational advice. With the advent of various types and blends of biofuels in the marine industry, VPS is committed to enriching this platform with relevant and actionable insights now and in the future.

“This is a unique collaboration in marine insurance,” said Colin Gillespie, Global Head of Loss Prevention, NorthStandard. “It offers NorthStandard members easy access to global fuel statistics, as well as the tools to trade with confidence by managing risk and reducing claims in one of the most challenging areas of ship management.”

John Oosthoek, VP Operations Digital & Decarbonisation, VPS, added that, “The launch of the Fuel Insights platform is the culmination of a growing partnership between NorthStandard and VPS over the past few years. By utilising reliable fuel quality data owners and operators can anticipate and mitigate the risks associated with fuel quality, such as cat fines, cold-flow, and stability.

“Testing remains essential for verifying quality, but accumulated data also helps vessel owners and operators make informed fuel procurement decisions,” said Steve Bee, Group Commercial & New Business Development Director, VPS. “VPS services provide help in ensuring engines and fuel delivery systems do not suffer damage, crews stay healthy and safe, and ships achieve the required environmental legislation demands. For NorthStandard, Fuel Insights, powered by VPS will help ensure members and shipowners know what to look out for and subsequently enhance their ability to plan preventive maintenance.”

“Beyond mitigation, data could be invaluable to a claim or contract dispute,” added Gillespie. “For example, if substandard fuel was repeatedly linked to a single port, or if fuel issues on board had an onward impact of cargo delays. Shipowners and operators also need full transparency on fuel availability and quality, especially given the rapid rise of alternative fuels,” he said.

VPS controls shipping’s largest and most comprehensive marine fuel quality database, including the most extensive analysis of newer products, such as biofuels and methanol.

“Given that NorthStandard and VPS have the same forward-looking position on digitalisation, this partnership is a natural fit,” commented Bee. “Accurate monitoring and reporting also help reduce emissions and will improve vessel performance against carbon intensity indices to ensure owners are on the right side of history.”

About VPS
VPS is a world-leading maritime decarbonisation advisory and services company and the global leader in marine fuel testing and inspection services. Dedicated to innovation and sustainability, we assist our customers to identify pathways towards more efficient and sustainable operations. We do this by providing insights, digital tools and advisory services along the entire marine fuels and emissions value chain. We are the pioneers of the marine fuel testing industry with over 40 years of experience and an established position as the clear global market leader.

Our Digital & Decarbonisation team is dedicated to delivering software, hardware and advisory services aimed at improving transparency regarding developments in marine fuel quality and reducing emissions associated with the consumption of marine fuels. With a diverse array of solutions across the marine fuels and emissions value chain, VPS D&D assists the maritime industry in its digital transition and decarbonisation journey. Interested in what VPS could do for your company?

Check us out on: https://vpsveritas.com/digital-decarbonisation or reach out directly by sending us an enquiry at dataservices@vpsveritas.com

About NorthStandard
NorthStandard is one of the leading providers of global marine insurance products and services across the maritime industries. Established through the merger of North P&I Club and the Standard Club in February 2023 and ‘A’ rated by S&P Global, NorthStandard has a premium income around US$836M and provides cover for over 365 million GT of owned and chartered tonnage.  

From headquarters in the UK and with offices throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, NorthStandard offers a unique blend of worldwide presence and class-leading expertise across multiple specialist areas, including P&I, FD&D, War Risks, Strike & Delay, Hull and Machinery and ancillary insurance. Its Sunderland Marine and Coastal & Inland divisions also provide cover for owners’ fixed premium P&I, fishing vessels, inland waterway and coastal trading vessels and aquaculture. NorthStandard’s comprehensive local market and sector knowledge is underpinned by continuous investments in market-leading digital technologies.  

NorthStandard is a leading member of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) and is fully committed to upholding the shared objectives of its 12 independent member clubs, which provide liability cover for approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage.

north-standard.com

For more information:

Steve Bee
Group Commercial & New Business Development Director 
VPS
+44 7500 848 351
steve.bee@vpsveritas.com