Jet and automotive fuels now being used to blend marine fuels
Written by Marine Log Staff
In a Marine Fuel Alert, the UK P&I Club warns that, reflecting the destruction of demand the aviation and automobile industries have suffered in the wake of the pandemic, it is widely acknowledged that jet and automotive fuels are now being utilized for blending marine fuels.
A significant uptick in low flash-point irregularities resulting in “off-spec” fuel are being observed in VLSFO and MGO in Singapore and in a few cases Middle East, says the club. In VLSFO, the prime indication of this new practice is a general reduction in viscosity and density.
Flash-point is the lowest temperature at which fuel gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture in air, near the surface of the liquid. The lower the flash point, the easier it is to ignite the fuel. SOLAS recognizes this potential danger and prescribes a flash-point lower limit for marine fuel of 60°C . Anything lower is strictly not permitted. Fuel found with a lower flash point, loaded on board or otherwise, is deemed unsafe and will result in statutory non-compliance.
The UK P&I Club says It is imperative that proper testing be carried out and any potential problems with the fuel notified to the bunker suppliers without delay.
“From our experience,” says the club, “bunkers found with a flash-point slightly below 60°C (57°C or higher) will often improve, as the lighter fractions evaporate naturally. In certain cases blending with another fuel batch to raise the flashpoint might be a possible solution. This decision can be taken after considering all risks such as fuel compatibility, complications of blending on-board and the statutory requirements to be followed in a blending process.
However, if none of the options are viable, the bunkers will have to be discharged ashore.
