IBIA finds no link between shale oil compounds and bunker fuel operational issues

International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA)’s Technical Working Group said its review of available evidence has not established a direct causal relationship between the presence of shale oil-related compounds in bunker fuel and operational problems experienced aboard vessels.

IMAGE: Bunker delivery in Singapore. Getty Images

The industry association reviewed available information, after recent reports linked operational problems with certain residual marine fuels containing components that may indicate the presence of shale oil.

IBIA said shale oil-derived hydrocarbons are permitted feedstocks under ISO 8217 and their presence alone is not evidence of fuel quality deficiencies or non-compliance.

The relevant consideration is whether the finished fuel, as delivered, meets ISO 8217 requirements, including provisions related to fuel composition and operational fitness for use, it said.

However, IBIA acknowledged that the reported cases warrant further technical investigation and highlighted the need to understand how more complex marine fuel blends perform in practice.

As the industry diversifies its feedstocks and blend components, greater transparency, traceability, quality assurance and information sharing will become increasingly important across the marine fuel supply chain, it said.

IBIA has called for greater industry collaboration and data sharing to improve understanding of the relationship between fuel composition and operational performance.

Previously, marine insurer Gard reported an increase in bunker-related claims following the escalation of the Middle East conflict in late February.

In April, fuel testing firm VPS observed an increase in the presence of shale oil components in VLSFO bunkers supplied in Singapore over two months.

By Nachiket Tekawade 

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