Marine bunker trading, brokerage & supply coordination · Port of Singapore
Distillate · DMB
DMB-grade marine diesel for engines and owners that specify it, sourced from MPA-licensed suppliers where the grade is available for your delivery window.
Marine diesel oil (MDO) is a distillate marine fuel specified under ISO 8217 as grade DMB. It has a wider viscosity range than marine gas oil and may contain small amounts of residual components, so it does not have to be clear and bright. It is used in engines and equipment designed for distillate fuel where the owner specifies DMB.
The terms MDO and MGO are often used loosely and sometimes interchangeably in the market. For procurement purposes, the ISO 8217 grade is what counts. If the engine maker or the owner’s specification calls for DMA, order MGO. If DMB is acceptable or specified, MDO may be an option.
In Singapore, distillate bunkers are dominated by DMA-grade gas oil. True DMB-grade MDO is supplied less often, so we check availability for each enquiry rather than assume it. Where DMB is not available for the window, we will tell you and offer DMA as an alternative for you to approve.
Specifications
| Parameter | DMB (ISO 8217:2017) | Compare: DMA |
|---|---|---|
| Kinematic viscosity at 40°C | 2.000–11.00 mm²/s | 2.000–6.000 mm²/s |
| Density at 15°C | max 900.0 kg/m³ | max 890.0 kg/m³ |
| Cetane index | min 35 | min 40 |
| Sulphur | max 1.50% m/m, or statutory limit | max 1.00% m/m, or statutory limit |
| Flash point | min 60.0°C | min 60.0°C |
| Water | max 0.30% v/v | not specified as v/v (clear and bright) |
| Appearance | not required to be clear and bright | clear and bright |
Sulphur in practice is set by statutory requirements: no more than 0.50% outside ECAs and 0.10% inside them. State the sulphur limit you need, not just the grade.
Vessel applications
Four-stroke engines whose makers approve DMB-grade distillate.
Generators and boilers on vessels whose owners specify DMB.
Coastal and regional craft built for distillate operation where DMB is approved.
Operational considerations
DMB’s higher viscosity range can be an advantage for fuel pumps in hot engine rooms, but its density and possible residual content mean purification and filtration should be set appropriately.
Because DMB does not have to be clear and bright, water and sediment are controlled by direct limits instead. Check the delivery sample for appearance and water, and drain service tanks regularly.
Mixing DMB with DMA is generally less risky than mixing residual fuels, but it is still good practice to segregate new deliveries until the fuel has been checked.
Procurement & delivery
MDO is delivered by licensed bunker tankers with metered quantity and an e-BDN, usually alongside your other grades. We confirm the grade the supplier will actually load before you commit.
Delivery samples can be tested against DMB limits by an independent laboratory, with particular attention to water, sediment and flash point.
Use the bunker quotation form and select Marine Diesel Oil (DMB). If you are unsure whether you need MDO or MGO, read marine gas oil or ask us.
No. MGO is grade DMA or DMZ and must be clear and bright. MDO is grade DMB, which allows higher viscosity and density and may contain traces of residual fuel.
DMA-grade gas oil is far more common. DMB is supplied less frequently, so we confirm availability for your date and quantity on each enquiry.
Only if it is supplied with no more than 0.10% sulphur. Always state the sulphur limit required.
Tell us the grade, sulphur limit and quantity, and whether DMA is an acceptable alternative.