Bunkers International Starts ULSFO Supply in Cartagena

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday February 5, 2015

Bunkers International Corp. (Bunkers International) Wednesday announced in an emailed press release that, in conjunction with its JV partner, CI Vanoil Ltda., it is now offering an ultra low sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO) product in Colombia.

The new IFO 30 (RMA 30) fuel, which has a 0.10 percent maximum sulfur content for compliance with 2015 Emissions Control Area (ECA) regulations, is produced in the groups' new 8000 bbl a day refinery in Cartagena, Colombia.

"We are very excited about this new product and its launch into the strategically important Caribbean and South American region, as a vast majority of the vessels calling Cartagena transit into North American ports or within the 224 mile boundary of the ECA," said John Canal, CEO of Bunkers International.

"This product addresses the needs of ship owners who must meet the new ECA specification but would prefer not to use marine gasoil due to cost and operational issues. The fuel is produced from a fuel‐oil base, giving it the characteristics of IFO, with the advantage of a 0.100 max sulphur."

The product was said to have a low pour point, high flash point, low metals, and viscosity similar to a 30 cst at 50c.

"Due to its unique quality, it can be used in slow, medium and high speed marine engines used in the marine transport trade," the supplier noted.

The product is available immediately in Cartagena by barge and throughout Colombian ports via truck delivery.

Bunkers International provided the following as typical specifications of the product:

Viscosity, cSt at 50c         15‐30 cst
Sulfur, %m.. (ppm)   Less than 0.100 (or 1000 ppm)
Flash, deg C   70+
Pour, deg C   ‐3
TAN, mg KOH/g   less than 0.1
Ash, %m   LT 0.01
TSP, %m   0.02
Metals (all less than 5 mg/kg)   Vanadium, Sodium, Aluminum, Silicon, Calcium, Zn, Phosphorus, Potassium


Interested parties may send fuel inquiries to bunkers@bunkersintl.com.