BS ISO 8217:2005

A new third edition of the key standard for marine bunker fuels is now available. BS ISO 8217:2005 has been fully revised to bring the standard up to date and make it easier for buyers to be sure they get the fuel they want. It aims to reduce some of the problems and uncertainties of marine fuel quality.

Ship owners will find that the new BS ISO 8217:2005 specification offers better protection against unwanted contaminants in bunker fuels and brings the maximum sulphur limit in heavy fuel oil into line with MARPOL Annex VI. There are a lesser number of fuel grades, new parameters have been incorporated into the list of fuel properties and some of the limits are much stricter.

By including limits on more waste matter and giving information on precision and interpretation of test results should also cut down on disputes. All buyers should ensure they specify the revised standard when purchasing.

BS ISO 8217:2005 Petroleum products. Fuels (class F). Specifications of marine fuels

BS ISO 8217 has been produced with co-operation from the marine and petroleum industries to meet the requirements for marine fuels supplied on a world-wide basis for consumption on board ships. 

Crude oil supplies, refining methods, ships' machinery and local conditions vary considerably. These variables mean that a variety of residual fuels are available internationally, even though locally or nationally there might be relatively few categories. Several of these fuels originate only in one country or area, but are included because of their importance in the international fuel market.

This standard specifies the requirements for petroleum fuels for use in marine diesel engines and boilers, prior to appropriate treatment before use. It covers four categories of distillate fuel, one of which is for diesel engines for emergency purposes. It also specifies ten categories of residual fuel. The fuel quality parameters not included in the main text (for example fuel acidity), are discussed in the annex to the main document. All annexes are informative, which means that they are not mandatory.

What are the significant changes?

• Reduction of residual fuel grades from 15 to 10
• Maximum sulfur limit reduced to 4.5% (in line with the Marpol Annex VI)
• Fuel to be free of ULO (used lubricating oil)
• Reduced maximum water content
• Reduced density limits for lower viscosity categories
• Reduced ash content
• Viscosity measured at 50ºC instead of 100ºC
• Nine informative Annexes explain the different fuel characteristic in greater detail.
• The International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) requirements on flash point and sulfur content are taken into account (although the sulfur Protocol is not yet in force).

BS ISO 8217:2005 supersedes BS MA 100:1996 the widely used specification in bunker purchasing contracts which is now withdrawn.