Americas News
DNVPS Issue Low Sulfur Bunker Fuel Warning for New York
DNV Petroleum Services (DNVPS) today issued a bunker alert after four fuel oil samples taken from low sulfur bunker fuel deliveries in New York, U.S. and its surrounding ports showed high-density levels, according to bunker alert seen by Platts.
The alert reported density levels of 992.8-995.4 kg/cu m, above the ISO 8217:2005/2012 parameter of maximum 991.0 kg/cu m.
While the aluminium and silicon levels, or 'cat fines', tested within the ISO standard's maximum of 60 mg/kg, the test samples were noted to have "slightly elevated amounts of highly abrasive particles that could cause accelerated wear" of ships' engine components, such as piston rings, cylinder liners and fuel pumps, DNVPS said.
The samples were taken from deliveries made between February 10, 2013 and February 13, 2013.
A report last September indicated that demand for low sulfur bunkers in the U.S. had risen to as much as 50% of the country's total market since the August 1, 2012 introduction of the North American Emissions Control Area (ECA).
