VPS identifies Singapore bunker quality concerns
Recent fuel testing by Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) has identified a series of bunker quality issues in Singapore, prompting several VPS bunker alerts and a circular.
VPS reports VLSFO blends containing shale oil–derived components, identified during testing in February and March 2026. VLSFO bunkers were found to contain compounds consistent with Estonian shale oil streams. VPS cautioned that particular compounds not normally expected in standard marine bunker fuels can destabilise fuel over time, potentially leading to sludge formation, filter blockage and purifier fouling. Although no operational issues have been reported to date, VPS advises close monitoring of fuel treatment plant parameters and fuel injection system performance.
Separately, VPS issued Bunker Alerts related to seawater contamination of HSFO, recurring cases of low flash point VLSFO, and abrasive VLSFO with elevated levels of Aluminium and Silicon content.
VPS emphasised that these publications do not reflect overall fuel quality at the port, but advised ships bunkering in Singapore to ensure fuel quality is verified before use, avoid unnecessary co-mingling, and maintain robust fuel management practices.
The full text of VPS bunker alerts and circulars is available on Neptune or on request from the Loss Prevention Department.