Marine bunker trading, brokerage & supply coordination · Port of Singapore
Residual fuel · High sulphur
High sulphur fuel oil for vessels fitted with approved exhaust gas cleaning systems, sourced from MPA-licensed suppliers at the RMG 380 grade.
HSFO 380 is a high sulphur residual fuel oil with a maximum kinematic viscosity of 380 cSt at 50°C, usually bought as ISO 8217 grade RMG 380 with sulphur up to 3.50% m/m. Since 2020 it may only be burned by ships fitted with an approved exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubber) accepted as an equivalent means of compliance under MARPOL Annex VI.
Before 2020, HSFO 380 was the workhorse fuel of deep-sea shipping. Today it serves the scrubber-equipped fleet, where the price spread between HSFO and VLSFO is the commercial reason the scrubber was installed. Singapore remains one of the largest HSFO bunkering markets, and most licensed residual fuel suppliers can offer it.
The name combines two different properties. “High sulphur” is the sulphur classification. “380” is the viscosity grade. A VLSFO can also be supplied at 380 cSt, which is why an enquiry should always state both.
Specifications
HSFO 380 is normally specified as RMG 380 under ISO 8217. The sulphur limit is not set by ISO 8217 itself; it follows statutory requirements, and for a scrubber vessel the practical upper limit is 3.50% m/m.
| Parameter (RMG 380) | Limit (ISO 8217:2017) |
|---|---|
| Kinematic viscosity at 50°C | max 380.0 mm²/s |
| Density at 15°C | max 991.0 kg/m³ |
| CCAI | max 870 |
| Micro carbon residue | max 18.00% m/m |
| Vanadium | max 350 mg/kg |
| Aluminium + silicon | max 60 mg/kg |
| Hydrogen sulphide | max 2.00 mg/kg |
| Flash point | min 60.0°C |
Some owners also specify a lower density limit for purifier performance, or HSFO 180 (RME/RMG 180) for engines that need a lower viscosity. Lower-viscosity HSFO is less widely offered, so availability is checked per enquiry.
Vessel applications
Large container vessels with open-loop, closed-loop or hybrid scrubbers on long-haul services.
High-consumption bulk carriers where the HSFO–VLSFO spread repays the scrubber investment.
Crude and product tankers with approved exhaust gas cleaning systems.
Operational considerations
The MPA does not permit discharge of washwater from open-loop scrubbers in Singapore port waters. Vessels with open-loop systems must switch to closed-loop mode, if the system is hybrid, or burn compliant fuel such as VLSFO or MGO while in port. Plan the fuel changeover so a compliant fuel is available on arrival.
Since 1 March 2020, MARPOL Annex VI has prohibited ships from carrying fuel with more than 0.50% sulphur for combustion unless an approved exhaust gas cleaning system is fitted. Suppliers may ask for confirmation of the vessel’s scrubber before delivering HSFO.
HSFO needs heating for transfer and purification. Settling and service tank temperatures should match the fuel’s viscosity. Monitor separator performance for cat fines and sludge.
If the scrubber fails, the vessel must follow its flag State and port State notification requirements and switch to compliant fuel where required. Many operators keep a VLSFO or MGO reserve for this reason.
Procurement & delivery
HSFO is delivered by licensed bunker tankers with metering under SS 648. We confirm the barge slot, pass the supplier’s details to the agent and keep the window aligned with the vessel’s schedule.
Representative samples are drawn at the vessel’s manifold during delivery. Arrange independent testing where the fuel’s quality matters to engine or scrubber performance, and keep the MARPOL sample on board for at least 12 months.
Use the bunker quotation form, select HSFO 380 cSt and give the quantity in metric tons. Read VLSFO vs HSFO for a comparison of the two residual fuels.
No. HSFO may only be supplied for use on ships fitted with an approved exhaust gas cleaning system. Ships without a scrubber must use compliant fuel with no more than 0.50% sulphur.
Washwater discharge from open-loop scrubbers is not permitted in Singapore port waters. Vessels must operate in closed-loop mode or burn compliant fuel while in port.
HSFO usually trades at a discount to VLSFO, but the spread varies with market conditions. Each offer is priced for the specific stem.
The number is the maximum viscosity at 50°C, 380 or 180 cSt. Both can be high sulphur fuels. HSFO 380 is far more widely traded in Singapore.
Scrubber-fitted vessel calling Singapore? Send the stem details and we will return offers from licensed HSFO suppliers.