LR – Fobas Fuel Insight. Fuel quality report, 2024

In the Fuel Insight report for 2024, it was found that the majority of residual fuels bunkered met the specified limits, despite some issues with off-spec sulphur results. Around 3% of VLSFO fuels had a tested sulphur content within a tolerance range of 0.50-0.53%m/m, which is still considered usable but causes confusion for ship operators. It is recommended for suppliers to aim for the exact 0.50% limit to avoid potential non-compliance. However, close to 0.9% of VLSFO fuels had sulphur content above 0.53%m/m, posing a bigger problem for vessels. Total Sediment remains a major issue with residual fuels, with asphaltene instability in the blend being a common cause. Certain ports like Houston and Antwerp have higher risks of incompatible blends due to a wider range of suppliers and blend stocks. In contrast, ports like Santos in South America have lower sediment results due to naturally low sulphur crude sources. Suppliers are required to ensure their samples meet the 0.50% m/m sulphur limit according to IMO Annex VI guidance.