By Steve Bee, VPS Group Commercial & Business Development Director

Earlier this year, VPS led the way in detecting and identifying the cause of the fuel contamination issue in Singapore, which raised widespread panic across the shipping industry.

An estimated 200 vessels received HSFO bunker stems containing chlorinated hydrocarbons, which caused damage to approximately 80 vessels. Whilst the Singapore case was one of the world’s largest ever fuel contamination events, the presence of this specific chemical contamination was not a unique occurrence. Almost twenty years ago, trichloroethylene was detected in heavy fuel oil supplied in Fujairah and over the past two decades, chlorinated hydrocarbons have been detected on numerous occasions across the world’s ports by VPS using GCMS.

The effects caused by the presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons witnessed onboard vessels range from, complete engine blackout (affecting main engines and auxiliary engines), to fuel pump corrosion, plungers sticking in the barrel, main fuel engine plunger damage, fuel sludging, filter blockages and elevated exhaust temperatures.

Vessel owners and operators are quite rightly concerned over the potential risks chlorinated hydrocarbons pose to their ships. Expensive engine and fuel delivery system damages, plus risks to crew health and safety and potential costly delays and loss of earnings, can all be consequences of such contaminated fuel being stored and used onboard.

But it is not only the vessel owners and operators who can potentially suffer damages and losses due to chemical contamination. Fuel suppliers are also at risk of unknowingly supplying such fuels containing chlorinated hydrocarbons and other potentially damaging chemical groups. Expensive claims, loss of operational licences and catastrophic reputational damage, have all been outcomes suppliers have suffered due to the presence of chemicals in their products.

For many years VPS have provided marketleading GCMS services, which protect our customers from potential damages due to chemical contamination of fuel.

The first step is to use the relatively inexpensive, GCMS-Headspace Chemical Screening, which is a rapid, pre-burn service, which qualitatively detects a range of volatile chemical contaminants. During 2021-22 almost 8% of all VPS screening tests indicated a “caution” result, meaning the test had identified a higher concentration of a potentially damaging chemical compound within the fuel sample.

When a “caution” result is seen, VPS conduct an Extended-Headspace GCMS analysis, which provides a more detailed analysis of the sample. Following this if required, analysis can move on to an even further detailed quantitative GCMS-Vacuum Distillation test. Returning to the Singapore case back in March 2022, VPS identified the contaminants as four specific chlorinated hydrocarbons:

• Di-hydro dicyclopentadiene: Chemical CAS Number: 4488-57-7 
• Tetra-hydro dicyclopentadiene: Chemical CAS Number: 6004-38-2

These compounds are not part of the refining process of crude oil and as such, should not be present within marine fuels, as stated under Section 5 of the international marine fuel standard, ISO8217.

As a result of these initial findings, the MPA invited VPS to assist in their investigation. VPS were able to provide further evidence of the presence of the contaminants, their source, behaviour, plus how and why such chemicals cause the damages witnessed by the vessels, which suffered when using the fuel. VPS identified 8 supply barges within the port that were contaminated with these chlorinated hydrocarbons. Correlation of VPS results showed that when the concentration of total chlorinated hydrocarbons was less than 100mg/Kg, then no damage was caused to the vessels fuel delivery system or engines.

In Week 43 of 2022, the International Council on Combustion Engines (CIMAC) published its findings on chlorinated organic compounds based on their research into the Singapore case. In their view, more than 100 vessels had suffered operational problems after taking on the contaminated HSFO fuel.

The CIMAC Working Group determined there was and is, a correlation between the elevated levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons within fuel and vessel equipment failure. As a result, the Working Group recommends that marine fuels should keep the level of chlorinated hydrocarbons present, below 50mg/Kg, as a tolerable de minimis level.

CIMAC stated the EN14077 test method could be used to screen for the presence of total organic chlorides. However, the CIMAC Working Group also stated GCMS testing would be required to identify the individual contaminants, detection which the VPS GCMS methodologies provide.

GCMS-HS Chemical Screening can and will provide rapid detection of not only chlorinated hydrocarbons, but also a host of other potential contaminants. This technique can be a frontline defence in protecting vessels from the potential risks such chemicals can pose to the shipping industry and the damage they can inflict upon vessels and vessel operations. VPS has applied GCMS Chemical Screening to more than 100,000 bunker samples since 2016, serving over 400 shipping customers to protect their vessels.

VPS therefore makes the following recommendations:
1. Shipowners who are not already conducting the chemical contamination screening test should review their fuel management strategy to minimise risk.
2. Be clear on how the chemical screening will apply in terms of 1st level, 2nd level or 3rd level evaluation.
3. Once the chemical contamination review has started, build a database to evaluate higher risk ports & cause & effect considerations.

For more information regarding GCMS-HS Chemical Screening and further GCMS methodologies, please contact your local VPS Account Manager for details or mail to: info@vpsveritas.com
 

VPS is proud to announce the launch of their advanced new software, Core

Core is an extension of the services offered by VPS. It has been specifically designed to help vessel owners plan to meet emission targets, handle tightening market and regulatory pressure more effectively and efficiently. And enable real change towards 2030.

For over 40 years, VPS has worked to help the maritime industry optimise fuel use and generate value by minimising energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Through its testing services VPS touches several thousand vessels annually. Now Core is empowering VPS to take a huge step forward in helping their customers achieve the latest emission targets. 

Despite a growing demand for shipping and ocean activity, the maritime industry’s emissions need to be reduced by at least 50% by 2050 to meet IMO targets. For the vessels sailing today, their carbon intensity needs to be reduced by 40% by 2030.

The latest IMO regulations around CII and EEXI will come into effect in early 2023, and new market dynamics will increase the importance allocated to emission reductions.

Currently, few vessel owners are on track to meet these 2030 targets. The industry as a whole is behind schedule, and the transition to cleaner operations needs to happen faster.

So for shipowners who cannot openly demonstrate a responsible approach to emissions reduction, the consequence will be loss of charters, reduced shareholder appetite, higher cost of capital, higher port costs, reduced talent attraction, loss of brand reputation, etc.

In order to meet these emission targets, the industry needs collaborative tools where vessel owners can identify the right investments to stay attractive, and where other industry stakeholders can identify the leading providers of vessel services.
 
“Emission reduction is about to become an important business differentiator. Core is designed to meet the needs of a range of stakeholders in the maritime value chain working hard to reduce their company´s emissions footprint.” Sindre Bornstein, CCO, VPS Decarbonisation

How Core answers these challenges

1. Core enables clients to reach their emission reduction targets and turn CII from an operational metric into a C-Suite KPI, while driving a culture and community that embraces sustainability.
2. Core interprets CII and its equivalents as a score related to the emissions-saving goals for 2030 vs 2008, effectively giving stakeholders the opportunity to see their own efforts to reduce their emissions relative to the general market.
3. Core enables assessment of various emissions reduction initiatives, e.g. hybrid battery power, sails, biofuels, as well as their impact on emissions, estimated cost and return on capital to enable scenario planning for optimal investments.

As sustainability becomes a key business metric for stakeholders across the maritime value chain, visibility of emissions planning and efforts, as offered by Core, will become essential.

Core offers a library of measures to determine current and future emission trajectories for different vessels. This library will be available to all Core users, making it easier to see what combination of initiatives that are fit for purpose and to help drive awareness of what measures can be taken to improve overall performance.

As sustainability becomes a key business metric for stakeholders across the maritime value chain, visibility of emissions planning and efforts, as offered by Core, will become essential.

Core offers a library of measures to determine current and future emission trajectories for different vessels. This library will be available to all Core users, making it easier to see what combination of initiatives that are fit for purpose and to help drive awareness of what measures can be taken to improve overall performance.

VPS is committed to helping its significant customer base succeed in their transition towards real emission reduction. With Core, customers are better equipped to handle the growing complexity in their industry already disrupted by stakeholder expectations for emission cuts, and the availability of data. As CII requirements become stricter over time, Core will assist shipowners and others in identifying the winning and losing emission mitigation strategies.

The coreScore will allow for relative ranking of companies´ efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, and serve as an indicator for emissions integrity and trustworthiness." Sindre Bornstein, CCO, VPS Decarbonisation

Leading vessel owners have already started using Core. These companies are working hard to reduce their company’s footprint. By using Core, they’re in a better position to maintain profitability and gain a valuable strategic edge.

Ready to find out more about how Core can help you?
Get in touch with the VPS team: decarbonisation@vpsveritas.com

or contact VPS Decarbonisation CCO Sindre Bornstein: sibo@vpsveritas.com 

Article by Steve Bee, Group Commercial & Business Development Director, VPS.

Within only six months from the first reported cases of contaminated HSFO fuel being delivered to vessels bunkering in Singapore, the MPA have concluded a thorough investigation and taken the firm action of suspending the bunkering licence of supplier, Glencore.

This contaminated fuel, delivered between February-March 2022 to over 200 vessels, negatively affecting the operation of over 80 vessels, was first detected and reported by VPS.

Using proprietary Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) methodologies and many years of forensic fuel experience and expertise, VPS identified the contaminants as four specific chlorinated hydrocarbons: 

These compounds are not part of the refining process of crude oil and as such, should not be present within marine fuels, as stated under Section 5 of the international marine fuel standard, ISO8217.

As a result of these initial findings, the MPA invited VPS to assist in their investigation. VPS were able to provide further evidence of the presence of the contaminants, their source, behaviour, plus how and why such chemicals cause the damages witnessed by the vessels, which suffered when using the fuel.

Vessels suffered damage as indicated in the pictures below. This impact of this damage ranged from, complete engine blackout affecting main engines and auxiliary engines, to fuel pump corrosion, plungers sticking in the barrel, main fuel engine plunger damage, fuel sludging, filter blockages and elevated exhaust temperatures.

The damages arose due to the high pressure and temperatures within fuel delivery system, plus the fast movement of pumps, causing the chlorinated hydrocarbons to form hydrochloric acid (HCl), which quickly corroded the metallic surfaces.

It worth noting, the fuel samples did not exhibit high TAN, but the above conditions caused the acidic reaction to take place within the fuel pumps. 

VPS identified 8 supply barges within the port that were contaminated with these chlorinated hydrocarbons. Correlation of VPS results showed that when the concentration of total chlorinated hydrocarbons was less than 100ppm, then no damage was caused to the vessels fuel delivery system or engines.

Following the submission of these findings to the MPA, in early June 2022 saw the MPA and an investigative journalist from The Straits Times visit the VPS Laboratory in Singapore, to witness just how VPS were able to detect the contaminants present in marine fuel. In a feature article by Straits Times on 7th June 2022, the VPS work was reported as a CSI-type forensic investigation due to the advanced detection nature of the work. Click here to view the article.

Since the Singapore incident, a further major fuel contamination case occurred in ARA during May 2022. This time the contaminants were a range of volatile organic chemicals, phenols, styrenes, alcohols and ketonic compounds, ranging up to 40,000ppm (4%). Whilst these chemicals were different to those found in Singapore, they caused similar types of damage to vessels.

The MPA takes compliance with it’s bunkering licensing very seriously and has reminded all licensed bunker suppliers to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of their licences. Highlighting, they will not hesitate to suspend or cancel licences where necessary.

GCMS chemical analysis, is not part of the current ISO8217 standard, yet time and again, chemically contaminated fuels cause unnecessary damage to vessels. This has heightened in recent times due to the advent of global crises & wars due to parties cutting corners by using cheaper blending components. Therefore, VPS would advise both fuel suppliers and vessel operators to utilise the experience and expertise VPS has in providing chemical contamination detection services, in order to protect their business, assets and reputation.

For further information on how VPS can advise and support you in protecting your vessels, crew and the environment please contact: info@vpsveritas.com 

Over the last 2 years, the use of biofuels as a sustainable fuel option to ship owners and operators has increased in pace. VPS has been involved in a number of successful biofuel trials with international ship owners, demonstrating that biofuels can be readily used as dropin fuels with the appropriate handling and management.

Whereas the tested biofuels show fuel quality characteristics to be generally of good standard so far, the challenges with biofuels are many. One of the key challenges is poor oxidation stability which causes the biofuel to biodegrade over time, potentially causing sludging of engines, fuel injectors and filters. The susceptibility of biofuels to oxidise, with on spec fuels degrading in quality with time, is magnified with improper storage and handling. VPS has seen real differences in the performance of marine biofuels relating to this important characteristic, which can be measured by testing specific parameters.

In addition to the standard ISO8217 scope, VPS has found the following parameters important in assessing the quality characteristics of biofuels as marine fuels:

• Oxidation stability - to measure stability of the fuel
• FAME content – since most biofuels being used are blends, accurate measurement of the bio-component (e.g. FAME) is critically important
• Microbial growth and water content - to assess long term storage & instability
• Cold-flow properties
• Lubricity
• Corrosion of components
• Impact on energy value - due to presence of FAME

VPS would advise testing all biofuels for ISO8217 parameters and an additional test slate to measure the above parameters, to confirm the fuel quality prior to use. In the case of FAME blends, VPS would recommend confirming prior to blending that the FAME meets ISO14214 (which specifies the requirements and test methods for FAME). By using VPS test results and following advice, ship operators can indeed use biofuels as drop-in bunker fuels with confidence, provided that the necessary precautions are taken in the storage and handling of these fuels.

Dr. Malcolm Cooper, CEO of VPS said, “VPS is delighted to partner with the Global Centre for Marine Decarbonisation in this very important work. Having our own laboratories located in the key bunkering ports of Singapore, Rotterdam and Houston puts us in a great position to support this business-as-usual approach to testing these fuel blends in real-life operating environments. We will leverage our experience gained in testing these biofuels in marine environments to date along with our presence on the various Technical Committees, as explained by Captain Rahul Choudhuri, VPS AMEA MD, in the GCMD press release.”

Rotterdam | VPS, the world’s leading marine fuel testing company, today highlight their recent findings regarding contaminated marine fuel delivered to vessels in the port of Singapore.

On 11th March 2022, a VPS Bunker Alert first informed the company’s customers of chlorinated hydrocarbons being found and identified in Heavy Fuel Oil (HSFO) deliveries recently made in Singapore.  Over the course of February-March 2022, VPS identified over 50 vessels which received HSFO deliveries from two Singapore suppliers, which were contaminated with up to 2,000ppm of chlorinated hydrocarbons.

These bunker fuel contaminations have affected 14 vessels so far and the impact has been failure of the fuel system to the auxiliary engine resulting in loss of power and propulsion creating a blackout. Fuel system failure arose from seizure of the fuel pumps and plunger and barrel corrosion, caused by the bunker fuel contaminants.  

It is worth noting that the HSFO fuel actually met the ISO8217 specifications upon each delivery. However, VPS, via it’s in-house GC-MS HS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Head Space screening method identified the fuel contaminants listed below in each fuel. These were subsequently confirmed and quantified by more detailed forensic GC-MS methods.

The problems listed above appear to be continuing to affect an increasing number of vessels.The cause of this recent Singapore fuel quality issue is due to different chemical contaminants to that which VPS identified back in 2018, as the cause of the Houston fuel issue. However, the number of cases identified at this time in Singapore, is at a higher level over the first six weeks compared to the number identified in Houston over a similar time period.

The associated problems due to this latest fuel contamination regarding, asset and vessel protection, crew health & safety and potential environmental-related issues, can and will, have significant impact upon ship operators, in terms of costly damages and repairs, voyage delays and time-consuming claims, all drawing on their resources.   

Gard, the largest member within the International Group of P&I Clubs, recently referenced VPS and our findings and provided their Key Recommendations to their members. 

Additional testing services from VPS, such as GCMS, can and will, provide many benefits and added value to ship operators in reducing the numerous risks associated with today’s marine fuels.  

For further information please contact Steve Bee, Group Commercial Director at steve.bee@vpsveritas.com

Several media outlets have covered this ongoing development, please find coverage of VPS' findings via one of the following links:

• Reuters
• Bloomberg
• Ship&Bunker
• Ship&Bunker Update
• Gard P&I
• Safety4Sea

This global campaign by VPS recognised and rewarded - with a $10,000 scholarship - the brightest young innovators in the field of sustainability.

Working closely with our creative partners, Purmön, we invited over 160 different engineering, technology and scientific university departments to submit their proposals (each having to meet the four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals we are aligned to).

Six specially chosen judges, including an external expert, Lesley Bankes-Hughes, Publishing Director of Petrospot, reviewed the entries and chose one winner – a brilliant concept submitted by the Engineering Department of the Abu Dhabi University.

‘Our aim was to find the most impactful idea that could genuinely contribute towards marine sustainability and improve the wellbeing of our environment on a global level.’

Malcolm Cooper, CEO, VPS

Watch the video and find out more about the winning entry here.

VPS is excited to announce Fremman Capital have completed the acquisition of VPS from IK Investment Partners. This follows completion and receipt of all legal and regulatory approvals.

The new investment from Fremman Capital marks a clear demonstration of their commitment to a move sustainable world, as well as an exciting stage of development for VPS. The alignment of the two companies is tangible.

VPS will now push forward with their growth plans through new, innovative testing and advisory services which further focus on helping a greater number of customers work more sustainably and efficiently, protecting their assets, people and the environment.

For further information, please contact Steve Bee, Group Commercial & Business Development Director: steve.bee@vpsveritas.com

VPS announces the acquisition of PGI Industries to expand  its transformer oil presence into South East Asia

VPS, the leading transformer insulating oil testing company, has acquired Singapore-based PGI Industries Pte, specialists in transformer oil sampling and testing services.  

This move is an integral part of VPS’s forward-thinking strategy to better support the power and electricity supply industries in a more sustainable way. The acquisition will also expand our existing VPS Transoil EU footprint into South East Asia to strengthen our global offering.

‘The acquisition of PGI Industries will enhance VPS’s preventative  maintenance services offered to the power sector, increasing  protection and sustainability of the asset.’ Malcolm Cooper, CEO, VPS

PGI Industries has been providing high quality Transformer Oil Testing services to its South East Asian customers since 1994 from its Accredited Laboratory in Singapore.

‘Incorporating PGI Industries valued quality services to the  VPS portfolio creates an incredible opportunity to grow and  service a larger customer pool in South East Asia.’ Koh Gek King, CEO, PGI Industries Pte Ltd

To find out more about this valuable acquisition, VPS’s proactive approach to sustainability and how this unique value offering could benefit you, email Steve Bee, Group Commercial Director, at steve.bee@vpsveritas.com 

VPS acquires the digital services company Yxney Maritime to drive greater sustainability in shipping.

VPS, the world’s leading marine fuel testing company, has acquired Yxney Maritime, specialists in data-driven decarbonisation.  

This acquisition is part of VPS’s strategy to support the marine industry’s efforts to decarbonize and operate more sustainably. It also expands VPS’s growing digital services offering.

Yxney’s advanced analytical software, Maress, provides vessel owners and operators the insight needed to decarbonise maritime operations and help create a more sustainable future.

By joining forces, VPS and Yxney can now serve a bigger market and deliver even greater carbon reductions to every customer.

‘With the increased focus on sustainability, this acquisition of Yxney will help our maritime customers to better understand the impact that every operational activity has on GHG emissions, enabling improved efficiencies and delivery of emissions reductions’

Malcolm Cooper, CEO, VPS

Current and future industry climate targets are creating a real challenge for many ship operators. By incorporating Yxney’s advanced data technologies to the VPS portfolio, immediate business and environmental value can be offered to every customer, and targets can be met faster.

‘Together, and with complementary services, we are creating genuine sustainable transformation through data-driven change’

Simen Sanna Gjord, CEO, Yxney Maritime

The shared vision of VPS and Yxney – of creating a more sustainable world – will drive real, global change within the maritime sector. And help every customer to significantly reduce their emissions and operational costs.

To find out more about this transformative acquisition and how this unique value offering could benefit you, please contact Steve Bee, Group Commercial Director at steve.bee@vpsveritas.com

VPS delivers testing, inspection and advisory solutions that help customers achieve measurable improvements to fuel and oil management, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. VPS operates a global network of customer service offices supported round-the-clock by technical experts integrated with specialised and whollyowned ISO 17025 accredited fuel and oil testing laboratories strategically located in Rotterdam, Singapore, Houston, Fujairah and Manchester.  

Yxney Maritime is a Norwegian-based business providing data-driven solutions to assist ship owners and energy companies in decarbonising maritime operations to create a sustainable energy future. Maress combines available data from vessels with other relevant data sets to create insight, transparency and network collaboration for ship owners, energy companies and other stakeholders. In 2020 Maress users achieved combined savings in excess of 60,000 tons CO2. 

By John Oosthoek, VP Digital

Creating global fuel quality transparency through data-driven services

Following the introduction of the IMO2020 regulations aimed at reducing sulphur oxide emissions in shipping (the global sulphur cap), VPS has observed a substantial change in the way that compliant fuels are being produced. These very low sulphur fuel oils (VLSFOs) differ from traditional high sulphur fuel oils (HSFOs) in that they are produced as blends containing varying degrees of residual- and distillate fuel components.

As a result of the implementation of the global sulphur cap, the sulphur content of the majority of fuels available on the global market has been significantly reduced. This is great news for global environmental health, as emissions from the burning of marine fuels can be directly attributed to numerous health hazards, such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and asthma, specifically in areas close to ports and coasts. By lowering ship-related pollution through the global sulphur cap, ship-related premature mortality can be reduced (J. Ji, The Lancet, 2020).

Following the introduction of VLSFOs, the number- and type of fuel off-specs have also changed significantly. Whereas with traditional HSFO the majority of off-specs were due to commercial parameters such as density, viscosity, and water content, with VLSFO we have observed a surge in off-specs due to operational parameters, such as pour point (PP), total sediment potential (TSP) and catalytic fines (AlSi).

These off-specs can lead to serious operational problems onboard of vessels, such as damage to the fuel treatment system, and sometimes even to the engine itself. Some of the operational issues that we have encountered include abnormal purifier operation, blockage of filters and blockage of auto-clean backwash filters. In the worst-case scenario, a vessel can lose its propulsion and risk the safety of life at sea (SOLAS).

In order to contribute to the prevention of these issues, we provide transparency to the market regarding the quality of the marine fuels that are delivered and tested by VPS on a daily basis. We do this through our recently launched online data analytics platform, called PortStats.

The PortStats platform offers fleet managers, technical managers, and fuel procurement managers the tools they need to assess the quality and value of marine fuels in any port, from any supplier in the world. As long as we have tested bunker samples in a certain port, the data is included in the platform. This data is kept up to date on a daily basis.

PortStats is primarily used to anticipate fuel quality issues, as well as to compare fuel quality from various fuel suppliers. Bunker buyers use PortStats to optimise their fuel procurement process by looking at more than just the price of the fuel, but also the off-spec rate of the fuel supplier in a certain port. PortStats also enables users to benchmark the calorific value (energy content) of various fuels and suppliers, in order to make the best “bang-for-the-buck” decisions.

For technical managers, the PortStats platform offers the ability to track all ISO8217 quality parameters in near real-time. Furthermore, the platform offers tracking of proprietary VPS quality parameters, such as the Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT), as well.

Although the platform is currently primarily used by companies that are active in the marine fuel value chain, and shipping in general, there are also other users that benefit from the PortStats platform. P&I Clubs in particular have been fervent supporters of feeding data from the PortStats platform into their own digital platforms, in order to prevent quality issues leading to operational issues and downtime. Other users of data from the PortStats platform include governmental organisations and supranational organisations (e.g. the IMO, BIMCO). Some non-governmental organisations and institutions have also subscribed to the PortStats platform, with the purpose of monitoring emissions from shipping in different areas.

We have developed the PortStats platform in order to support our customers in making data-driven decisions. We have now experienced that there are many areas outside of our conventional market that can benefit from the data that we expose through PortStats. This is especially the case when fuel quality data is combined with voyage- and fuel consumption data. The synergy potential of combining different maritime data sources is illustrated by VPS’ recent acquisition of Yxney Maritime and the MARESS platform.

We are continuously expanding our digital platform by collaborating with the partners within our digital ecosystem. Capabilities that are currently under development within PortStats include live bunker fuel pricing, machine learning and emission monitoring, but there is much more on the horizon!

If this article has piqued your interest, please feel free to contact us for a live demonstration of the PortStats platform, so that you may experience its power for yourself.

For more information please contact John Oosthoek at john.oosthoek@vpsveritas.com

By Abdul Ghani, VPS Senior Sales Manager, Singapore

How VPS works to uncover corrupt bunkering practices

However many safeguards are put in place, there are always some who will go out of their way to try and cheat the system.

On the 1st January 2017, The Maritime Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore introduced the mandatory delivery of marine bunker fuel via Mass Flow Meter (MFM). This transition from sounding-based measurements to MFMs, was designed to provide a regulated level playing field for all stakeholders and help avoid any malpractice.  

The following case, shows how it doesn’t always work out as planned.

How Illegal Bunkering Practices Cost Owners US $336,930

Between October 2018 to April 2019, the press reported the use of magnets to influence MFM readings in favour of the bunker supplier. In June 2021, the Singapore court sentenced two bunker supply company directors with a 35-month and 34-month prison sentence, due to their role in a conspiracy to tamper with the MFM systems onboard a bunker tanker.

The court was shown that by deliberately placing an industrial-grade magnet [camouflaged to match its surroundings] at a certain point on the MFM, it significantly influenced the recorded mass flow rate (MFR) on the Bunker Metering Computer (BMC).  

This action resulted in the BMC erroneously recording a higher MFR, falsely indicating a greater mass of marine fuel being delivered into the receiving vessels.

This illegal action resulted in a total loss of US$336,930 for 14 vessels during that period.

A request by the authorities to have the MFM vendor review the data from the BMC on the two delivery barges revealed at least 66 bunkering operations during which the MFM had been tampered with.

How VPS Bunker Surveyor Help Avoid Malpractice

This case perfectly highlights the commercial value of employing the services of highly skilled and competent bunker surveyors. VPS surveyors are expert in accurately monitoring fuel delivery in strict accordance with the Singapore Standard, SS:648, to help avoid such malpractice.

VPS will also check for any breach of system integrity and the status of the critical alarm. Having a surveyor’s watchful eye to detect illegal activities also sends a strong signal to barge and vessel crew not to undertake any intended non-compliance.

VPS BQS provides every customer with knowledgeable and professional surveyors who follow strict work procedures and documentation to accurately control the bunkering operations. Our zero tolerance policy to corrupt practices means that any illegal activity is minimized, if not eradicated.  

Contact

For further information regarding VPS BQS services, please contact abdul.ghani@vpsveritas.com

By Josephine Goh, VPS Sales Manager, Singapore

Save more money by protecting your assets

Preventing damage is better – and less expensive – than curing it.

At VPS, we have often seen that problems such as engine failure, fuel pump failure and liner wear, could have been prevented by implementing a proper fuel management programme.

‘Main engine damage is an expensive category of claims that occurs far too frequently. Statistically a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its lifetime. With an average claims cost of around USD 650,000.’ Swedish Club’s Loss Prevention Supplement

One of the most important, yet often overlooked processes, is that of regular Fuel System Checks (FSCs) to help assess onboard purifier performance and the efficient removal of aluminium and silicon catalytic fines within fuel.  

The presence of ‘cat-fines’ can be extremely damaging, causing rapid engine-part wear. Therefore, monitoring cat-fine levels before they can enter vessel engines, can prevent such damage. This will also help comply to engine manufacturers’ recommendations of a maximum 10-15 ppm level of cat fines present in the fuel entering the engines.

In addition, periodic sampling from the fuel treatment system will also identify problems such as water ingress from ballast systems, leaking  heating coils and cargo contamination. After all, the last thing you want to see is that your purifier is working as a pump.

Our proactive approach in practice – case study

This is a case concerning a 26,528 dwt LPG Tanker. The vessel bunkered High Sulphur Fuel Oil [HSFO] in Fujairah, where its fuel met the International Marine Fuel Standard ISO 8217 specifications.  

So far, so good. However, after using the bunkered fuel, the Chief Engineer reported a main engine expansion tank low level alarm trigger, and that the main exhaust gas temperature was high on cylinder units 2 and 4. The vessel then commenced a gradual slowdown of the main engine. The Chief Engineer reported the vessel was unable to run the engine due to suspected leaks from its main cylinders.  

Consequently, the vessel drifted for about 10 hours before finally dropping anchor off the coast of India.

Upon dismantling the engine, the following findings were made:

Upon receiving this information, the VPS Technical Advisor recommended fuel system samples be submitted. The results indicated that the purifier was, in fact, only working like a pump.

The screening size of Al+Si [on the before engine sample] further confirmed why the vessel was experiencing problems as the size of Al+Si ranges from 5-45 µm.

These discoveries were greatly appreciated by the vessel’s Chief Engineer and ship owner, as they could now understand the cause – and potential cost – of the problem. They subsequently ordered routine fuel system check (FSC) sampling to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

The vital importance of fuel system checking

The International Marine Fuel Standard, ISO8217:2017, states the specification limit for cat-fines is 60ppm for fuel delivered to the ship. Should a ship’s purifiers be working at an efficiency of 75%, then as an example, they would remove 45ppm of any fuel containing cat-fines at the specification limit of 60ppm. This would result in a maximum 15ppm catfines passing through to the engine, matching the OEM operational advice.

A regular FSC programme, is a simple, yet effective solution for evaluating onboard fuel treatment efficiency, as:

• Efficient fuel treatment is important for fuels close to the maximum quality specification
• A tool to sound the skills of the engineers, on how effectively the plant is running over a period of time and by different engineers
• It identifies problem areas in the tank system or fuel treatment plant
• It gauges the effectiveness of current fuel treatment maintenance and servicing schedule
• It establishes a monitoring routine for achieving extended Time Before Overhaul (TBO) – saving costs and reducing maintenance needs
• It quickly identifies the search during a damage situation
• It reduces machinery damage and saves money in overhauls and other costs

This value of the VPS FSC Testing Programme

The highlighted case study shows the critical importance of regular and thorough fuel system checks. Such checks, when carried out routinely, can significantly mitigate the risks associated with elevated cat-fine levels within fuel and identify inefficient purifier performance.

It has been proven that the VPS FSC programme can reduce fuel system failures by 50%, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair costs.

To find out more about how we can help you with your fuel management, please contact Josephine Goh at josephine.goh@vpsveritas.com