The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has released a statement indicating that its technical working group has not identified a direct causal relationship between operational problems experienced by vessels and the presence of shale oil-derived components in residual marine fuels. This announcement comes after concerns were raised by various maritime fuel testing agencies.
In June, Singapore-based Maritec-Naias reported that its tests on very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) supplied in Singapore revealed elevated acid numbers. The agency suggested a potential connection between these acidic compounds and Estonian shale oil. Similarly, Lloyd's Register's Fuel Oil Bunker Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) highlighted comparable findings in its first-half 2026 report. Shale oil is generally considered an acceptable blending component under the ISO 8217 standard for marine fuels.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this clarification from IBIA is important for managing bunker procurement and understanding potential fuel-related risks. While concerns about VLSFO quality and its impact on vessel performance have been noted, IBIA's assessment suggests that the presence of shale oil itself may not be the primary driver of operational issues. This could influence fuel purchasing decisions and risk assessments, potentially reassuring shippers and carriers about the broader availability of compliant fuels, even if they contain shale oil derivatives. However, continued vigilance on fuel quality parameters, such as acid number, remains crucial.
