Research report 25 February 2025

FOBAS Fuel Insight: Fuel quality reports

Maritime energy transition
Biofuel

The FOBAS Fuel Insight Programme is the cornerstone of our commitment to advancing fuel quality standards in the maritime industry. This series leverages the extensive expertise of our Fuel Oil Bunker Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) teams, who are at the forefront of fuel testing and analysis.

Our expert teams provide critical insights and data that are essential for monitoring fuel quality on a global scale. This is particularly crucial in shipping, where fuel quality directly impacts operational efficiency, safety and environmental compliance.

This bi-annual series of Fuel quality reports will share the knowledge and experience of our FOBAS teams in a comprehensive and easily accessible format. In essence, the FOBAS Fuel Insight programme is not just about testing fuel, its about empowering the maritime industry with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decision, reduce risks, and embrace the future of sustainable shipping.

As the industry transitions to future fuels, such as biofuels, methanol, hydrogen, ammonia and others, the role of FOBAS becomes even more vital. Our programme helps shipowners and operators navigate the complexities of these new fuels, ensuring they meet stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements. By staying ahead of emerging trends and regulatory changes, FOBAS supports the maritime sector in achieving operational excellence and environmental sustainability.

Highlights of the Fuel Quality report on the second half of 2024 (H2 2024) include:

Fuel Quality Trends: The report highlights that although the second half of 2024 continued to see similar fuel quality issues as the first half, there was a notable increase in the use of biofuels. There were regional-specific issues, particularly with residual fuels, where off-spec sulphur results and high total sediment levels were common problems.
Biofuel Usage: A significant increase identified in the use of biofuels, especially in Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) blends. These blends are becoming more common due to their properties aligning with standard VLSFO. However, the report notes that the quality of FAME must be monitored closely to avoid potential issues as demand increases.
Regulatory Changes and Future Outlook: The report discusses upcoming regulatory changes, such as the introduction of the Mediterranean Sulphur Emission Control Area from May 2025, which will require ships operating in the Mediterranean Sea to use fuel with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% m/m. Additionally, it is anticipated that continued growth in the use of biofuels and other alternative fuels, which will present challenges in maintaining fuel quality and composition transparency.