Lloyd’s Register has recently released their Fuel Quality Report 2024, shedding light on the current state of marine fuel quality and its impact on the maritime sector. The report underscores the ongoing concerns and costs associated with fuel quality for shipowners and operators. Developed by LR’s Fuel Oil Bunker Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS), the report serves to educate industry stakeholders on the latest fuel quality trends and regulatory changes.
In 2024, the overall landscape of fuel quality closely resembles that of recent years, particularly following the widespread adoption of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) in 2020. Persistent issues such as cat-fines, stability, sulfur content, and flash point continue to pose challenges, with sporadic cases of chemical contamination still being reported.
Looking ahead, the swift adoption of the newly introduced ISO 8217:2024 standard, encompassing all existing fuel categories, is anticipated. Additionally, there is a projected rise in the usage of various biofuels and Renewable Fuel Oil (RFNBO) variants beyond Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME). This shift presents a formidable task for the maritime sector in ensuring the quality and transparency of fuel composition.
Andrew Shaw, Managing Director of Lloyds Register FOBAS, emphasized the significance of not only identifying common parameters surpassing specification limits but also conducting specialized forensic tests to uncover external chemical pollutants in fuel samples.
The report serves as a valuable resource for industry professionals seeking to stay informed on the evolving landscape of fuel quality standards and practices. To access the complete findings and insights from the Fuel Quality Report 2024, interested parties can download the report from the provided link.
