Fuel Quality

We believe that the current levels of industry testing for VLSFO fuel quality is lacking in detail and needs to be improved overall.For every cargo loaded, we go above the industry standards to provide our customers with better details about your fuel purchase in order to avoid any quality issues onboard.

All of our VLSFO cargoes are tested using a Gas Chromatograph / Mass Spectroscopy analysis (GC/MS) for quantification to identify in advance any potential issues on the molecular level. GC/MS testing is the gold standard for identifying contaminants that are missed by the typical ISO 8217 testing such as volatile organic compounds, DCPD, phenols, benzene and acids which can damage engines and onboard equipment.The latest lab results are always available to our customers in advance of purchase.

VLSFO can be on specification as per ISO 8217 testing yet still cause sludging and filter clogging once onboard. The reason is that ISO 8217 doesn't test for the Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT) which is the point that waxy paraffins can form in the VLSFO fuel which can cause filter clogging, reduced fuel flow pressure, and epoxy type resins to form on the injectors causing them to stick and/or need to be replaced. All of these issues can lead to a possible onboard brown out, damaged engine parts, and the need to debunker the fuel.The Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT) indicates the temperature value at which wax crystals begin to form when the fuel is cooled. VLSFO fuel should always be maintained above the reported WAT value. We provide this data with every VLSFO purchase to our clients free of charge to ensure a higher level of service and safety.

UET Marine also performs a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) scan on all of our Marine Gas Oil cargoes as well. Specifically, this test is used for identifying organic molecules present in the marine fuels such as alcohols, esters and acids which can lead to engine issues. These compounds are not detected by the usual industry ISO 8217 testing used by our competition.We take this extra step to ensure that only the best quality products are sold to our valued customers.