Marine bunker trading, brokerage & supply coordination · Port of Singapore
Marine services · Quality
Independent laboratory testing of your bunker samples against ISO 8217, coordinated around the delivery, with clear reporting and support if a result is off-specification.
Bunker fuel testing in Singapore means sending a representative sample from the delivery to an independent laboratory, which analyses it against the ISO 8217 grade and edition that was purchased. Results usually come back before the fuel is used, so the vessel can segregate it, or so the buyer can raise a quality claim, if a parameter is off-specification.
The bunker delivery note records what the supplier declares. Independent testing tells you what was actually delivered. For most deliveries the two match. When they do not, an early, independent result is what protects the vessel’s engines and the buyer’s commercial position.
SingaporeBunker.com coordinates testing with independent fuel testing laboratories. We arrange sample collection and dispatch, confirm the test package, and pass the report to you and to the vessel. We do not operate a laboratory, and we do not represent any laboratory’s accreditation as our own.
Test scope
A standard residual fuel package checks the main ISO 8217 parameters: density, kinematic viscosity, sulphur, water, flash point, total sediment, micro carbon residue, ash, pour point, acid number, vanadium, sodium, aluminium and silicon, calculated CCAI and used lubricating oil indicators. Distillate packages add cetane index, appearance, oxidation stability and lubricity.
If a vessel reports filter blocking, fuel pump sticking or unusual sludge after a delivery, a broader investigation may be needed. We coordinate further testing of retained samples, gather the delivery records and help you present the facts to the supplier.
In Singapore, the MPA’s Bunker Quality Advisory Panel provides a procedure for sample testing, review of results and technical advice in cases of off-specification fuel delivery.
Samples & results
Several samples are drawn during a delivery, usually by continuous drip sampling at the vessel’s receiving manifold. One is the MARPOL sample, which must stay on board under the ship’s control until the fuel is substantially consumed, and for at least 12 months. Others are retained by the supplier and the vessel, and one is commonly sent for commercial testing. The sample seal numbers are recorded on the delivery documents.
Test results are compared with the ISO 8217 limits, taking into account the precision of each test method under ISO 4259. A result slightly above a limit is not automatically off-specification once reproducibility is considered. The laboratory report and our commentary will explain where a parameter stands.
Read bunker sampling and fuel quality testing and ISO 8217 marine fuel specifications explained.
Singapore has several independent marine fuel testing laboratories. We arrange the testing and pass you the report. We do not operate a laboratory ourselves.
It is the laboratory analysis of a bunker sample against the ISO 8217 specification purchased, covering parameters such as density, viscosity, sulphur, water, sediment, flash point and cat fines.
Standard packages are usually reported within a few days of the laboratory receiving the sample. Extended tests such as GC-MS take longer. The laboratory confirms timing when the sample is booked.
The edition stated in the purchase contract, typically ISO 8217:2017 or ISO 8217:2024. Tell us which one applies so the laboratory uses the right table.
Add laboratory testing to your quotation request, or ask us to arrange testing for a recent delivery.