Warning Sirens: VPS Spotlights Marine Fuel Contamination
The spotlight is now being firmly cast on VPS, a pioneering worldwide advisor in marine decarbonization services, following its recent discovery of a significant marine fuel contamination issue in Houston. The firm, through its fuel testing services, unearthed alarmingly high levels of Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and associated isomers in Houston’s Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) bunker fuel deliveries. Thanks to its advanced in-house Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, these hazardous chemical impurities were successfully identified.
Circling their customers, VPS dispensed a Bunker Alert in response to the fuel supply between March and May of 2023, which originated from a single provider. The issues linked to these bunkers emerged a few weeks post-fueling.
Marine Devastation: Power and Propulsion Loss
Reports indicate the contamination of fuel resulted in catastrophic effects. Eleven vessels operating on this fuel confessed to encountering a power outage, leading to an immediate inability to propel the ship at sea. The underlying cause stems from leakage in the Intra Cardiac Units (ICU) and the inability of fuel pumps to produce adequate pressure.
Both the main and auxiliary engines succumbed to the contamination, with auxiliary engine breakdowns more frequently reported. One affected customer narrated a distressing tale of how changing over to the contaminated VLSFO failed their auxiliary engines’ fuel pump and fuel injectors. With subsequent replacement attempts unsuccessful, a total blackout ensued, thereby leading to propulsion loss.
The contamination was also reportedly affecting the purification system due to a high presence of cat fines in the fuel. As a result, the ships were forced to operate on low rpm to minimize fuel consumption, subsequently reducing the purification rate. The adverse consequences spiraled into restricted maneuverability as the operation of thrusters became impossible.
A Deep Dive Into The Contaminant: DCPD
The contaminants, Dicyclopentadiene, and its associated isomers, are unstable chemical compounds capable of polymerizing and oxidizing under specific conditions. Though tailored to be curbed by the presence of inhibitors within the fuel oil, once they begin polymerizing, the fuel starts exhibiting increased viscosity and stickiness. This behavior is detrimental to the free movement of fuel pump plungers and fuel injector spindles, leading to the fuel injection system’s wreckage. Gradually, excessive sludge formation ensues as the compounds present in the fuel range from 3,000 to 7,000 ppm.
About VPS
VPS, a foremost industry leader, offers a broad spectrum of solutions spanning testing, inspection, and advisory services. The company is committed to fuel management, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance in marine fuel. VPS first introduced commercial bunker fuel testing and bunker quantity surveys for vessels in 1981 and 1987, respectively. Presently, they operate a global network of customer service offices, and four specialized owned fuel testing labs, and offer bunker quantity surveys at over 200 international bunkering ports. Their commitment to service is reflected in their operations conducted with high-quality standards, absolute professionalism, and utmost integrity.
