Asia/Pacific News
Maritec-Naias Finds Elevated Catfines and Acid Numbers in Singapore VLSFO
A recent advisory from testing firm Maritec-Naias has flagged elevated levels of catfines and acid numbers in some VLSFO samples delivered in Singapore.
The fuel testing company analysed five VLSFO samples from two suppliers collected between May 20 and June 2 and found aluminium and silicon (Al+Si), known as catfines, at levels ranging from 61 mg/kg to 68 mg/kg, it said in a statement on its website on Friday.
The results were above the ISO 8217 specification limit of 60 mg/kg, although still within the accepted testing tolerance.
Catfines are abrasive particles that can cause increased wear of fuel system components, piston rings and cylinder liners if not effectively removed by onboard fuel treatment systems.
Maritec-Naias also tested 15 VLSFO samples with acid numbers ranging from 2.0 mg KOH/g to 2.5 mg KOH/g.
While the fuels remained within specification limits, the company said the values were elevated and could be linked to contaminants associated with sludge formation, fuel pump seizures and injector fouling.
The company recommended additional monitoring and testing of fuels with elevated acid numbers and advised buyers to request a Certificate of Quality before bunkering in Singapore.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 963.00 | 26.00 | 1351.50 | 10.50 |
| Rotterdam | 766.00 | 3.00 | 1446.00 | 11.50 |
| Houston | 817.00 | 11.50 | 1421.00 | 1.00 |
| Fujairah | 981.00 | 12.00 | 1768.50 | 17.50 |
| APAC Average | 1029.50 | 32.00 | 1478.50 | 13.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 929.50 | 10.50 | 1565.00 | 13.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 882.00 | 13.50 | 1496.50 | 9.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 978.50 | 20.00 | 1616.50 | 18.50 |
Popular Now More
-
Oct 23Rotterdam's bunker sales recovered slightly in Q3 from the previous quarter, but volumes remained well below year-earlier levels. -
Oct 23The acquisition includes eight bunkering vessels and a long-term lease for 28,000 m3 of tank capacity in Turkey. -
Oct 21Trading Director Maaz Ahmed tells Ship & Bunker that the firm plans to deploy more bunker barges in the future.