Warning of high density bunker fuel in New York, surrounding ports: DNVPS

Four fuel oil samples taken from low sulfur bunker fuel deliveries in New York and its surrounding ports in the US have shown high-density levels, according to a DNV Petroleum Services bunker alert seen by Platts Tuesday.
The bunker alert showed density levels of 992.8-995.4 kg/cu m, above the ISO 8217:2005/2012 parameter of maximum 991.0 kg/cu m.
The samples were from deliveries made between February 10 and 13.
The aluminum and silicon levels in the same samples were at 43-47 mg/kg, which is within the ISO parameter of maximum 60 mg/kg.
However, the fuels tested contained "slightly elevated amounts of highly abrasive particles that could cause accelerated wear" of ships' engine components, such as piston rings, cylinder liners and fuel pumps, DNVPS said in the alert.
Source: Platts