Eight Bunker Fuel Samples Tested in Indonesia Show Low Flashpoints: Maritec-Naias
Key Takeaways
- •Eight bunker fuel samples supplied in Indonesia were found to have flashpoints below the 60°C SOLAS minimum, with the lowest recorded at 39.5°C.
- •All non-compliant samples, comprising LSMDO and B40 marine biofuel blends, originated from a single supplier and failed to meet both SOLAS and ISO 8217 flashpoint requirements.
- •Maritec-Naias advised operators ordering fuels from Indonesia to request actual flashpoint values from suppliers before accepting deliveries.
- •Vessels already carrying low-flashpoint fuel should maintain tank-vent flame screens, eliminate ignition sources near vents, notify suppliers and P&I clubs, and may seek flag-state dispensation.
- •Amended SOLAS regulations taking effect in January 2026 will require bunker suppliers to provide signed declarations confirming fuel flashpoint compliance prior to bunkering operations.
Eight bunker fuel samples tested after being supplied in Indonesia recorded flashpoints below the 60°C minimum required under SOLAS, according to fuel testing agency Maritec-Naias.
The samples, tested between July 21 and August 4, comprised LSMDO and B40 marine biofuel, the agency said in an emailed notification on Wednesday. All eight samples originated from a single supplier, with the lowest flashpoint recorded at 39.5°C. The B40 grade is a 40% palm-based biodiesel blend tied to Indonesia's domestic biofuel mandate, which the country has been extending into marine applications.
Maritec-Naias stated that the results indicated the fuels did not comply with SOLAS or ISO 8217 flashpoint requirements. Flashpoint is a critical safety parameter: fuels that ignite at lower temperatures heighten the risk of fire or explosion in storage tanks, fuel lines, and machinery spaces, particularly when ambient conditions or equipment surfaces exceed the fuel's flashpoint.
Under SOLAS regulations, fuel carried in a ship's tanks must generally have a flashpoint of at least 60°C. Separately, MARPOL Annex VI requires bunker delivery notes to either state the actual flashpoint or confirm that it is at least 70°C.
Beginning January 2026, amended SOLAS regulations will also require suppliers to provide a signed declaration before bunkering confirming that the fuel meets the applicable flashpoint standard.
"When ordering fuels from Indonesia it is advised to insist on getting the actual flash point values from the supplier," Maritec-Naias said.
For vessels already carrying low-flashpoint fuel, the agency recommended maintaining tank-vent flame screens, preventing ignition sources near vents, and notifying both the supplier and the vessel's P&I club. Vessels at sea may also seek a flag-state dispensation until reaching their next port.
