Tainted Marine Diesel Fuel Cut with Estonian Shale Oil Bought in Singapore is Causing Engine Problems and Breakdowns for Tankers: Undeclared Fuel Substitution is Fraud

      Singapore is the world’s largest hub for marine fuel. Apparently, the Iran War is really affecting fuel prices and supply since marine fuel has been found to be cut with Estonian shale oil, not a very applicable additive for marine diesel fuel. Those responsible for cutting the fuel should be criminally liable. At least three tankers have experienced engine problems and breakdowns due to the fuel additive. Before the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted, Singapore got 40% of its oil from the Middle East.

"The tainted blend can lead to“sludging,”, where fuel becomes more viscous. This can clog engines and cause them to stutter or even grind to a halt." 

     An article in The Telegraph explains the issue:

“The problem has been most evident in Singapore, the world’s biggest hub for marine fuel, with reports of vessels encountering engine issues after taking on supplies.”

“At least three oil tankers were among ships to have suffered sludging and fuel pump failure after refueling in the Asian port last month, Lloyd’s List reported.”

“Subsequent analysis revealed that regular marine fuel had been cut with shale oil from Estonia, which is regarded as too impure for most engines.”

     While some engines can handle fuel substitutions and additives, others can’t.

“Veritas Petroleum Services, a specialist testing agency, found increased levels of shale oil in 90,000 tons of fuel – enough to fill the tanks of 10 very large crude carriers – uploaded between February and March.”

“Marine insurer Skuld last week urged companies to vet suppliers and test bunker fuel in advance after identifying issues in Hong Kong and Malaysia, as well as Singapore.”

     The cost of marine fuel initially doubled after the Iran War began, but has dropped to about 50% above what it was before the war. Of course, that is no excuse for fraud. If the disruptions to fuel supplies coming out of the Middle East continue, the problem could get worse. Since tainted fuel could be a matter of success or failure for tankers, I am guessing they will be testing fuels every chance they get to avoid problems. As it stands now, the situation is unacceptable, and shipping companies should not have to endure it.

 

References:

 

Tankers break down as Iran war unleashes flood of tainted fuel. Christopher Jasper. The Telegraph. May 9, 2026. Tankers break down as Iran war unleashes flood of tainted fuel