In 2026, marine fuel buyers are grappling with unprecedented bunker prices and a significant decline in fuel quality, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. VPS has reported a sharp increase in fuel quality issues, leading to heightened operational risks for ship owners and operators. From January to July 2026, VPS issued 29 Bunker Alerts—surpassing the total alerts from 2024 and nearing the 37 recorded in all of 2025. Abrasive issues due to elevated cat-fines and fuel stability problems account for 72% of these alerts.
Interestingly, marine gas oil has not triggered any alerts this year, with HSFO and VLSFO being the primary concerns. The off-specification rates for various fuels are alarming: HSFO at 8.87%, VLSFO at 9.88%, MGO at 9.03%, and ULSFO at 19.58%. While fuels may technically meet ISO 8217 specifications at transfer points, this does not guarantee their safe use onboard, as fuel management practices greatly influence performance.
VPS emphasizes the importance of understanding fuel characteristics to mitigate risks. They provide additional testing services beyond ISO 8217 compliance to identify potential operational hazards. With a rise in bunker-related claims, VPS offers comprehensive support to help shipowners navigate these complexities and enhance operational reliability.
