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Date: 10th July 2009

Chemical Contamination in Low Sulphur Fuel Oil from US Gulf Coast

Over the last two weeks, Guardian Marine Testing Ltd (GMT) has tested several low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) samples from vessels bunkered in ports on the gulf coast of the United States which have been found to contain chemical contaminants.

The chemicals of most concern are Styrene and Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). Styrene has been found at levels ranging from 500ppm to 2200ppm in combination with DCPD levels ranging from 200ppm to 600ppm. There have been previous reported cases of vessels using fuel from other global regions that have used fuels containing styrene and DCPD at these levels (and lower) which have subsequently suffered serious engine damage reported as blocked filters, blocked purifiers, broken piston rings and seized fuel pumps.

It is important to note that these chemicals have only been detected in LSFO samples from the area whereas high sulphur fuel oil samples from the same region have been found NOT to contain the same chemicals. It is suspected that a low sulphur cutter stock containing refinery waste chemicals including styrene and DCPD may be being used to blend the fuel down to achieve a 1.50% sulphur. As a result, the waste chemicals are finding their way in to the LSFO supply chain.

Bunker fuels found to contain such waste chemicals do not meet the requirements of ISO8217:2005 clause 5.1 which states:

"The fuel shall not contain any added substance or chemical waste which: jeopardises the safety of ships, or adversely affects the performance of machinery, or is harmful to personnel, or contributes overall to air pollution."

This CIB does not necessarily reflect the overall quality of fuels supplied in US Gulf. However, if your ship recently bunkered LSFO in this area or intends to do so, please ensure the fuel quality is known prior to consumption.

GMT are able to scan routine bunker samples for chemical contamination with a same day results so that it can be included as part of the standard GMT fuel testing service.

 

For more information or advice please contact:

Telephone: +44 (0)1642 440991
Telefax: +44 (0)1642 458537
Email: info@gmtlab.com

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