Maritime insurer Gard recorded more than 70 bunker-related claims between January and May 2026, representing a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to a report released by the insurer on Friday. Fuel quality issues accounted for nearly all of the cases logged.
Middle East Tensions a Key Turning Point
According to Ship & Bunker, Gard’s report links the rise in claim numbers to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East in late February 2026. The insurer noted that bunker quality incidents were recorded across global locations, with major supply hubs including Singapore, Houston, and the ARA region featuring prominently — a reflection of their high supply volumes rather than any isolated regional trend.
VLSFO at the Centre of Quality Concerns
Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) accounted for more than 85% of all bunker-quality claims in the period, as reported by Ship & Bunker. Gard attributes this concentration to the fuel’s complex, blended composition, which makes it more susceptible to contamination and quality variability compared to other marine fuels.
Of particular concern is the insurer’s finding that meeting ISO 8217 specifications does not guarantee a fuel is operationally fit for use. Around 40% of the cases involved fuels that were on-specification under ISO 8217 Table 2 but were nonetheless alleged to contain harmful substances. Many of these fuels caused operational problems, machinery damage, or contamination issues despite passing standard testing parameters.
While no major incidents were directly linked to fuel quality during the period, Ship & Bunker notes that several vessels were disabled or required towage — underscoring the tangible operational risks that poor-quality bunkers can create.
Does This Matter to You?
The sharp increase in quality-related claims serves as a pointed reminder that standard compliance testing may not be sufficient to protect vessels from fuel-related risk. The finding that a significant share of problematic fuels were technically on-spec challenges a common assumption in fuel procurement and acceptance processes. For anyone involved in fuel purchasing, acceptance, or voyage planning, Gard’s data points to a growing gap between specification compliance and real-world fuel performance — a gap with direct financial and operational consequences.
The concentration of incidents at key bunkering hubs also suggests that high-volume supply environments carry elevated exposure, regardless of geographic region.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
