Proactive chemical screening of marine fuel is becoming essential in protecting vessels from costly damage claims. VPS, a leader in this field, focuses on detecting chemical contaminants in fuel to ensure the safety and protection of its clients’ assets, crew, and the environment. However, cases involving fuel contamination often lead to legal disputes, which can take years to resolve.
An example from 2023 illustrates this issue, where a claim related to contaminated VLSFO bunker fuel delivered in Houston is still being litigated two years later. VPS had initially warned its clients about the presence of Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) isomers in the fuel, detected using advanced analytical methods. The presence of DCPD led to significant damage in 14 vessels due to contaminants such as dihydro dicyclopentadiene and tetrahydro dicyclopentadiene.
While finding cyclopentadiene derivatives in fuel is not uncommon, this case involved hydronated DCPDs, which are known to polymerize and oxidize under specific conditions. High concentrations of these contaminants caused numerous issues in auxiliary engines, including fuel leakage, pump failures, and filter blockages. To mitigate the risks of chemical contamination, VPS offers a Chemical Screening Service that employs Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis.
This cost-effective test can identify over 75% of volatile chemicals in fuel, allowing early detection of potential hazards. More than 20% of marine fuel samples submitted to VPS utilize this screening, with 8% yielding “Caution” results. This proactive approach helps vessels avoid damages and informs fuel suppliers of the contamination, ultimately saving time and money.
Recently, VPS advanced its screening capabilities with a new GCMS-Headspace Screening method, which detects a wider range of chemicals, further enhancing safety. Given that the cost of screening is a fraction of the overall fuel expenses, the question arises: can you afford not to screen your fuel for chemicals?