This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
Tue 29 May 2018 15:35

Houston marine fuel contamination: VPS reveals exclusive findings


In-house test finds phenolic compounds in every sample taken from ships encountering problems.


Image: Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS)
By Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS)

On April 26, 2018, Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) issued a Bunker Alert informing our clients of multiple vessels impacted by a sticking of fuel plungers, fuel-pump seizures and failures, when burning fuel oil bunkered in Houston, Texas.

At that time, it was known to be a widespread problem that was not limited to any particular supplier or barge, but more a potential upstream production, or refinery issue, with the 'true' cause unknown at that time.

Since the initial VPS Bunker Alert, this problem has grown to have affected at least 30 vessels in the VPS Fuel Analysis Programme, making it one of the most widespread fuel quality issues of recent years, with our statistics currently showing eight suppliers and 17 bunker tankers in the chain of supply.

Over the past four weeks, a VPS 'task-force' stationed across our laboratories have undertaken detailed forensic analysis of the many samples we have received from numerous vessels. It was critical that we were able to identify which components were common to all of the fuel samples and have the physical properties which could cause the problems experienced on board our clients' vessels.

The standard test methods within the ISO 8217 specification gave no clues to the underlying problem. Therefore, it was necessary to utilize additional VPS proprietary test methods in order to identify the true cause of the problem.

Applying our 'in-house' acid extraction GCMS method, phenolic compounds were identified as being present in every one of the samples taken from vessels experiencing problems. The phenolic compound of highest concentration in all samples was:

4-Cumyl-Phenol (CAS No. 599-64-4), full name Phenol, 4-(1-methly-1-phenylethyl) in the concentration range of 300ppm to 1,000ppm.

In some samples, VPS also identified high-boiling carboxylic acids (fatty acids), but these were present at much lower levels.

4-Cumyl-Phenol has many industrial uses, including the manufacture of epoxy resins and as an emulsifier in pesticides - both of which utilise the adhesive (sticky) qualities 4-cumyl-phenol exhibits.

Historical cross-checking of the VPS database has highlighted numerous cases dating back to 2007, where VPS has identified fuels containing phenolic compounds which have caused damage to fuel pumps and injectors similar to those witnessed in this recent contamination problem. In addition, cases also showed increased sediment levels at separators and filters, and in some cases completely clogged filters.

The presence of this contaminant is in violation of Clause 5 of ISO 8217 which states: "The fuel should not include any added substance or chemical waste which jeopardizes the safety or adversely affects the performance of the machinery; or is harmful to personnel; or contributes overall to additional air pollution."


Brazil flag. Petrobras extends marine fuel advance sales period to 20 days  

Brazilian firm extends booking window for bunker purchases from 15 to 20 days.

Stream Marine Training logo. Stream Marine Training calls for fuel-specific safety standards  

Maritime training provider says generic alternative fuel guidelines are insufficient for crew safety.

Burando Energies appoints new board of directors. Burando Energies appoints new board to drive energy transition growth  

Rotterdam-based energy company forms four-member leadership team, including new CEO Ruben Blok.

Baleària’s fully electric intercontinental ferry. AYK Energy secures contract for world's first fully electric intercontinental ferries  

Battery provider to power Baleària's zero-emission ferries between Spain and Morocco.

Nacho de Miguel – Head of Alternative Fuels & Sustainability. Peninsula executive to speak at Americas LNG Summit panel on bunkering trends  

Nacho de Miguel will discuss global LNG bunkering developments at October conference in Louisiana.

Gasum’s LNG bunkering vessel Coralius. Gasum seeks sales manager for maritime LNG and LBG operations in Hamburg  

Nordic energy company recruits for German office to expand sustainable marine fuel business.

SEA-LNG highlights emissions reductions in LNG-powered shipping. SEA-LNG claims LNG emissions cuts ahead of IMO meeting  

Coalition says methane slip reductions and biomethane growth support decarbonisation pathway.

IPCO Power’s FID Improver. Goltens and IPCO Power partner on fuel system optimisation solutions  

Partnership combines homogenisation technology with global engineering services to help shipowners achieve efficiency gains.

Demonstration vessel REIMEI. Japanese consortium achieves 98% methane slip reduction in LNG vessel trials  

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Kanadevia, and Yanmar exceed target in onboard demonstration.

De Wit Bunkering obtains ISCC certification. De Wit Bunkering secures ISCC certification under RED III directive  

Dutch bunker supplier obtains renewable energy certification for traceable, sustainable fuel supply chain operations.


↑  Back to Top