Industry association IBIA has pushed back against recent concerns over marine fuel quality, stating that current evidence does not establish a direct link between shale oil-derived compounds and reported operational issues, according to a statement issued by the organization on Monday.
The response follows earlier findings from Lloyd’s Register testing service FOBAS and testing firm VPS, which had identified elevated levels of shale oil components in marine fuels supplied in Singapore. IBIA said its Technical Working Group had reviewed the available information on the matter.
“While these reports raise legitimate questions that warrant further investigation, the available evidence does not establish a direct causal relationship between the presence of these compounds and the operational issues reported,” IBIA stated.
No Confirmed Operational Failures Yet
According to the report, VPS noted that no vessels using the fuels in question had reported operational issues to date. However, VPS also cautioned that delayed impacts related to fuel stability and composition could not be ruled out.
IBIA emphasized that shale oil-derived hydrocarbons are permitted under the ISO 8217 marine fuel standard, the internationally recognized specification for marine fuels. The association said their mere presence should not automatically be treated as evidence of poor fuel quality or non-compliance. Instead, IBIA said the central question is whether the fuel, as delivered to the vessel, meets the requirements set out in the standard.
Call for Greater Transparency
IBIA said these cases underline the importance of stronger transparency, traceability, and quality assurance practices as marine fuel blends grow increasingly complex. The association also called for continued information sharing across the industry, alongside further technical investigation and collaboration, to better understand fuel performance and preserve confidence in bunker fuel quality overall.
Does This Matter to You?
This development is relevant to those involved in bunker fuel procurement, quality assurance, and vessel technical management, as questions around shale oil content in marine fuels touch directly on compliance with the ISO 8217 standard and on operational risk assessment.
While IBIA’s statement indicates that no confirmed link to operational issues has been established, VPS’s caution regarding potential delayed effects on fuel stability suggests that monitoring of fuel quality reports from testing bodies remains a relevant consideration for those managing fuel purchasing decisions or vessel performance risks.
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
