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Enhanced Fuel Testing Parameters from Singapore MPA & TESTING Recommendations

Technical Newsletter as on 28 May 2024

Introduction

On 8 February 2024 the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) issued a Port Marine Circular No 3 of 2024 regarding the implementation of enhanced testing parameters for marine fuel batches intended to be delivered as bunkers in the Port of   Singapore in addition to the existing quality assurance measures.

In accordance with the MPA’s Port Marine Circular No 3 of 2024, from 1 June 2024 onwards, bunker suppliers in the Port of Singapore must ensure that:

1. Residual & Bio-residual bunker fuel do not contain Chlorinated Organic Compounds (COC) above 50mg/kg and are free from inorganic acids.
2. COC must be tested using the EN 14077 accredited test method and shall be reported in the “Certificate of Quality” (COQ) provided to receiving vessels.
3. Inorganic acids must use the ASTM D664 accredited test method as prescribed in ISO 8217 and the Strong Acid Number (SAN) (in addition to the Total Acid Number (TAN) shall be reported in the COQ (i.e. SAN = 0) provided to receiving vessels. For distillate / bio-distillate bunker marine fuel batches, SAN must be tested as per ASTM D664 test method and reported in the COQ.
4. Residual marine fuels are free from polystyrene, polypropylene & polymethacrylate. These can be tested by filtration, microscopic examination, & Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy analysis.

Testing Recommendations in line with MPA Enhanced Parameters to Protect Your Vessels:

In view of the above, CTI-Maritec recommends fuel testing protocols as depicted in the chart below (as routine pre-emptive measures and/or for deep dive requirements to detect the root cause) to help safeguard vessel health.

Our recommendations are primarily focused at COCs and SAN detection for bunker supply in Singapore, while recommendations for testing Polymers is advised for requirements of reported problem cases or when highly abnormal GCMS findings of chemical compounds like Styrene, DCPD and Indene are detected.

CTI-Maritec’s provides gold-standard Fuel Quality Testing Services & Solutions including cost effective routine and enhanced testing solutions to help safeguard your vessels. Benefit from:

• Accredited Labs, Equipment and Testing Procedures: CTI-Maritec is certified by SAC SINGLASS
• Latest Equipment & Technology: CTI-Maritec uses the latest technology and procedures on the market to ensure best-in-class testing in the bunker fuel testing market. 
• Enhanced Analysis: In addition to routine testing, CTI-Maritec offers intuitively designed customizable packages to deep dive into investigating the root cause of any abnormal findings
• Technical Support: CTI-Maritec provides focused technical support through our team of highly qualified experts who deliver personalized guidance to our customers whenever required.
• Long Standing Systems & Infrastructure: CTI-Maritec has been a trusted Fuel Testing partner since 1999 and possesses the expertise, set-up and procedures to provide 24x7 quick, efficient and credible services.
• Dedicated Customer Support: CTI-Maritec’s dedicated Customer Service Executives are always on-hand to provide speedy assistance on a real-time basis.
• Cost Effectiveness: Owing to our experience in the field, packages and solutions are design to be cost effective and customizable to suit every budget.

The range of analytical techniques include:

• GCMS by headspace, ASTM D7845 by Direct Liquid Injection & Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)
• Quantification of Total Chlorinated Organic Compounds (COCs) by EN14077 test method
• Fuel Ignition and Combustion Analyzer (FCA)
• Fuel Stability by P-value via SMS 1600
• Solid Contaminants by FT-IR
• Determination of Cat Fine Size Distribution
• Biofuel Testing Packages for blends ranging from B20 to B100
• FOMP (Fuel Operation Management Package)

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.maritec.com.sg/services/Fuel_Testing&Solution or write to us at admin.maritec.com.sg

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