IBIA is aware of recent reports highlighting operational issues observed in connection with certain residual marine fuels containing components which may indicate the presence of shale oil. IBIA’s Technical Working Group has reviewed the information currently available and notes that, while these reports raise legitimate questions that warrant further investigation, the available evidence does not establish a direct causal relationship between the presence of these compounds and the operational issues reported.
Shale oil-derived hydrocarbons are a permitted feedstock under ISO 8217. Their presence alone should not be regarded as evidence of fuel quality deficiencies or non-compliance. The relevant consideration is whether the finished fuel, as delivered, meets the requirements of ISO 8217, including the provisions relating to fuel composition and operational fitness for use.
The reported cases nevertheless reinforce the importance of understanding how increasingly complex marine fuel blends perform in practice. As the industry continues to diversify feedstocks and blend components, greater transparency, traceability, quality assurance and information sharing across the supply chain will become increasingly important.
IBIA supports further technical investigation, industry collaboration and data sharing to improve understanding of fuel behavior and operational performance. Such work will help ensure confidence in marine fuel quality while supporting the safe, reliable and efficient operation of ships.
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