Neptune Bunker Information Update: Off-Spec Trends Highlight Risk Areas

The Neptune Bunker Information tab has been updated with bunker quality data from April to September 2026, highlighting regional fuel quality trends and elevated risk areas. Several ports, including Antwerp, Norfolk, Panama Canal, and Rotterdam, recorded high levels of technical off-specification results across residual and low-sulfur fuel sectors.

In HFO samples, the highest technical off-specs were observed in Antwerp (46.2%), Norfolk (41.4%), Panama Canal (38.0%), and Rotterdam (35.5%). These issues, which included density, viscosity, water content, catalytic fines, and ash-related exceedances, remain significantly above those reported at other major bunkering hubs. For VLSFO, sulphur non-compliance is particularly concerning in Europe, with Rotterdam samples recording a sulphur off-spec rate of 68.6% and Antwerp samples reaching 58.9%.

In ULSFO, the highest technical off-spec percentages were reported in Barcelona (70.3%) and Genoa (51.0%), primarily due to pour point non-compliances. Members are advised to maintain robust bunker procurement, testing, and fuel management procedures, especially in light of emission control regulatory requirements.

Brief written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.