High viscosity fuel identified by Intertek ShipCare

An Intertek ShipCare client vessel bunkered in the Americas, and took 1,200MT of IFO- 380 from one of the oil majors. This sample was couriered to Intertek ShipCare’s UK laboratory for analysis. All analysis tested were on specification for IFO-380/RMG-35, except for the fuel’s viscosity which was 606 cSt @ 50 deg. C and 47 cSt @ 100 deg. C.

Advice was given that the delivered fuel was off-specification and the client had a commercial claim against the supplier. In order to achieve the required viscosity the fuel would have to be heated to a temperature of 136 deg. C, which was not possible.

To read the full case study, please click here