As reported in the maritime press, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has criticised DNVPS for its recent bunker alert on excessive aluminium and silicon (Al+Si) contents in Singapore fuels. MPA particularly questioned the company for releasing the alert ahead of discussions

In its bunker alert issued on 19 October, DNVPS warned that the highly abrasive particles could contribute to accelerated wear of diesel engine components. “The latest findings clearly show that certain deliveries in Singapore over the first and second weeks of October were indeed off spec for Al+Si,” DNVPS said in a statement.

Counter statement
That statement was intended mainly to counter the MPA’s caution to DNVPS to ensure that alerts be issued only if samples tested fully measure up to MPA’s CP60 code – the Singapore code of practice for bunkering by bunker barges and tankers.

“Ships don’t always send in samples for analysis. Which is why a bunker alert is the only way to effectively warn our fuel testing members about the off specification fuels detected,” says Per Holmvang, managing director of DNVPS. “We’ve told the MPA previously that where Al+Si and other critical fuel quality parameters are involved, we will issue our alerts without delay.”

MPA’s initial rechecks showed Al+Si levels within specifications. The authority further reproved DNVPS for having tested non-representative specimens.

Supporting evidence
Holmvang explains: “Our samples had labels and documents countersigned by the suppliers. Moreover, we weren’t the only ones to have found off specification fuels in Singapore during the same period.”

DNVPS received more supporting evidence when a client, after reading the alert, decided to test a sample taken from their Oct 13 bunkering in Singapore. Rechecks by the MPA on this sample confirmed DNVPS’ off-specification findings.

“It’s now indisputable that high Al+Si fuels had been supplied in Singapore recently. We were right to have gone ahead with the alert,” said Holmvang.