marine fuels

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marine fuels quality (ISO specifications)

Chevron is committed to supplying the highest quality marine fuels that meet our customers’ needs and regulatory requirements. Our commitment to product quality and supply reliability is backed by our global refinery and logistics network.

In the Americas, Chevron offers marine fuels in the US Gulf Coast, US West Coast, and Panama. With supply from our refineries in Richmond (CA), El Segundo (CA), Pasadena (TX), and Pascagoula (MS), our experienced blending team can offer all major grades, or boutique blends including, high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), marine gasoil (MGO), and bio/ renewable fuels.

In Singapore, our Chevron Penjuru Terminal is linked to our joint venture, Singapore Refining Company. It is our regional hub for fuel oil blending operations with over 400,000 cubic meters of capacity. We can offer all major grades including HSFO, VLSFO, MGO and biofuels.

marine fuel products

Chevron offers a range of marine fuels designed to meet various industry regulatory, and technical needs. High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO), with a sulphur content exceeding 0.50%, is suitable for vessels equipped with scrubbers and offers a cost-effective option for shipowners. Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), complying with the IMO’s 0.50% sulphur cap, balances energy content and reduced emissions, while Marine Gas Oil (MGO), known for its low sulphur content, ensures cleaner combustion, particularly in SOx control areas. Chevron’s biofuel blends, including biodiesel options like FAME derived from waste fats and oils, provide a lower-carbon alternative compatible with existing engines.

High sulphur fuel oil > Very low sulphur fuel oil > Marine gas oil (MGO) > Biofuels >

High sulphur fuel oil (HSFO)

High sulphur fuel oils (HSFO) are fuels with a sulphur content exceeding 0.50% by mass. It is intended for use on ships with scrubbers installed. It is typically produced as a residual fuel from refining crude oil and contains products such as visbroken residue, heavy cycle oil (HCO), and light cycle gas oil.

Benefits of Chevron’s HSFO:

Lower cost to shipowners, as compared to LSFO
Longstanding experience in blending of HSFO
Consistent supply of high-quality fuels, supported by equity supplies globally
Strong focus on meeting specific technical and compliance needs of our customers
Strict quality control measures are implemented to maintain fuel integrity during storage and handling

Safety Data Sheet:

Residual Marine Fuels (RMB-RMK) >

Very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO)

Very low sulphur fuel oils (VLSFO) are fuels produced to meet IMO’s 0.50% maximum sulphur limit, in place as of 1 January 2020. In terms of energy content and sulphur oxide emissions, VLSFO is between HSFO and MGO.

It is produced by blending a selection of lower sulphur refinery streams such as vacuum residue, hydrocracked distillate to achieve the desired sulphur content and properties suitable for maritime use.

The fuels we supply are tested to ensure they meet the required specifications for sulphur content and other ISO 8217 properties.

Benefits of Chevron’s VLSFO:

Consistent supply of high-quality fuels, supported by equity supplies globally
Strong focus on meeting specific technical and compliance needs of our customers
Strict quality control measures are implemented to maintain fuel integrity during storage and handling

Safety Data Sheet:

Residual Marine Fuels (RMB-RMK) >

Marine gas oil (MGO)

Marine gasoil (MGO) is a marine fuel known for its cleaner-burning characteristics compared to traditional residual fuel oils. Due to its typically lower sulphur content, MGO emits less sulphur oxides than HSFO and VLSFO.

In a complex refinery, distillates such as light and heavy diesel, light cycle (gas) oil (LGCO) are blended with other components to achieve the desired sulphur content (typically 0.10% by mass) and the blended fuel is tested to ensure it meets the required ISO 8217 specifications. Proper storage and handling are needed to maintain its quality.

Benefits of Chevron’s MGO:

MGO is typically used in SOx emission control areas
Good ignition/ combustion quality
Consistent supply of high-quality fuels, supported by equity supplies globally
Strong focus on meeting specific technical and compliance needs of our customers
Strict quality control measures are implemented to maintain fuel integrity during storage and handling

Safety Data Sheet:

Distillate Marine Gas Oil (DMA/DMZ) >

Biofuels

Chevron blends and supplies lower carbon (residual) marine biofuel blends using a wide pool of renewable/ waste-based biofuels. Biofuel blends are alternative energy sources that can be used without engine modifications, and thus a suitable solution to help operators meet requirements for reduced greenhouse gas and SOx emissions.

The Europe Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) currently allows using a zero CO2 emissions factor for biofuels. The IMO has issued interim guidance on the use of biofuels and biofuels that have been certified by an international certification scheme, meeting its sustainability criteria.

Currently, the most common type of biofuel used in maritime sector is biodiesel or fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), derived from waste animal fats and oils (e.g. used cooking oil). Chevron is working with industry organisations to develop advanced biofuels for marine applications.

Benefits:

Biofuel blends can help shipowners meet their lower carbon emissions goals
No engine modifications required
Improved fuel quality such as ignition and combustion, without impact on fuel stability
Consistent supply of high-quality fuels, supported by equity supplies globally
Strong focus on meeting specific technical and compliance needs of our customers
Strict quality control measures are implemented to maintain fuel integrity during storage and handling

Safety Data Sheets:

HSFO Biofuels >

VLSFO Biofuels >

marine fuels factsheets

Below you'll find useful resources to help you navigate the world of marine fuels.

marine fuels quality (ISO specifications)

Distillate and bio-distillate marine fuels > Residual marine fuels with sulfur content below or at 0,50 % by mass > Bio-residual marine fuels > Residual marine fuels with sulfur content above 0,50 % by mass >

distillate and bio-distillate marine fuels

Characteristics		Unit	Limit	Category ISO-F-^m							Test method(s) and references
Characteristics		Unit	Limit	DMX	DMA	DFA	DMZ	DFZ	DMB	DFB	Test method(s) and references
General requirements				Clauses 5 to 10
Kinematic viscosity at 40 °C		mm²/s^a	max.	5,500	6,000				11,00		ISO 3104
Kinematic viscosity at 40 °C		mm²/s^a	min.	1,400	2,000		3,000		2,000		ISO 3104
Density at 15 °C		kg/m³	max.	—	890,0				900,0		ISO 3675 or ISO 12185; see 6.1
Cetane index			min.	45,0	40,0	—	40,0	—	35,0	—	ISO 4264; see 6.19
Cetane number			min.	—	—	40,0	—	40,0	—	35,0	ISO 5165 or ASTM D6890/EN 15195 or ASTM D7668/EN 16715 or ASTM D8183/EN 17155; see 6.19
Sulfur content by mass		%	max.	Statutory requirements^b							ISO 8754 or ISO 14596, ASTM D4294; see 6.3
Flash point		°C	min.	43,0	60,0						ISO 2719; see 6.4
Hydrogen sulfide		mg/kg	max.	2,00							IP 570; see 6.5
Acid number^c		mg KOH/g	max.	0,5							ASTM D664; see 6.6
Existent total sediment (TSE) content by mass		%	max.	—					0,10^d		ISO 10307-1; see 6.8
Oxidation stability		g/m³	max.	25	25	—	25	—	25^e	—	ISO 12205; see 6.7
Oxidation stability		h	min.	—	—	8,0	—	8,0	—	8,0^e	EN 15751; see 6.7
Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content by mass or volume		%		^f	^f	Report^g	^f	Report^g	^f	Report^g	ASTM D7963 or EN 14078/ASTM D7371; see 6.9
Net heat of combustion		MJ/kg		—	—	Report^h	—	Report^h	—	Report^h	ASTM D240; see 6.18
Carbon residue content by mass – Micro method on the 10 % volume distillation residue		%	max.	0,30					—		ISO 10370
Carbon residue content by mass – Micro method		%	max.	—					0,30		ISO 10370
Cloud pointⁱ		°C	max.	−16	Report^h				^j	Report^h,j	ISO 3015; see 6.10
Cold filter plugging pointⁱ		°C		—	Report^h				^j	Report^h,j	EN 116 or EN 16329; see 6.10
Pour point (upper)ⁱ	Winter	°C	max.	—	−6				0		ISO 3016; see 6.10
Pour point (upper)ⁱ	Summer	°C	max.	—	−6				6		ISO 3016; see 6.10
Appearance		Clear and bright^k							^d		See 6.11
Water content by volume		%	max.	—					0,30^d		ISO 3733
Ash content by mass		%	max.	0,010							ISO 6245
Lubricity, wear scar diameter (WSD) at 60 °C^l		µm	max.	520					520^e		ISO 12156-1
1 mm²/s = 1 cSt. The buyer is expected to define the maximum sulfur content according to relevant statutory limitations. See Annex E. If the sample is not clear and bright, the existent total sediment and water tests shall be required. See 6.8 and 6.11. If the sample is not clear and bright, the test cannot be undertaken and therefore, compliance with this limit cannot be shown. See 5.1 and Annex A. De minimis level amount of FAME means an amount not exceeding approximately 0,5 %. The seller shall report the FAME content according to the test method given or as per blend ratio (stating whether it is a mass or volume ratio). The value shall be reported according to the test method given. Pour point cannot guarantee operability for all ships in all climates. The buyer should confirm that the cold flow characteristics (pour point, cloud point, cold filter plugging point) are suitable for the ship’s design and intended voyage. See 6.10. For some products, it is possible that this test does not work due to appearance, therefore other means to evaluate usability of the product should be considered. If the sample is dyed and not transparent, then the water limit and test method as given in 6.11 shall apply. This requirement is applicable to fuels with a sulfur content below 500 mg/kg (0,050 % by mass). These categories are defined in ISO 8216-1.

The specifications are reproduced with the permission of the NBN. This standard can be obtained from the website at www.nbn.be. Copyright remains with ISO.

residual marine fuels with sulfur content below or at 0,50 % by mass

Characteristics	Units	Limit	Category ISO-F^j				Test method(s) and references
Characteristics	Units	Limit	RMA 20 0,5 RMA 20-0,1	RME 180 0,5 RME 180 0,1	RMG 380 0,5 RMG 380 0,1	RMK 500 0,5 RMK 500 0,1	Test method(s) and references
General requirements			Clauses 5 to 10
Kinematic viscosity at 50 °C^a	mm²/s^b	max.	20,00	180,0	380,0	500,0	ISO 3104
Kinematic viscosity at 50 °C^a	mm²/s^b	min.	2,000^c	20,00	120,0	150,0	ISO 3104
Density at 15 °C	kg/m³	max.	955,0	991,0		991,0	ISO 3675 or ISO 12185; see 6.1
CCAI		max.	860	870			See 6.2
Sulfur content by mass	%	max.	0,50 or statutory requirement, whichever is lower^d				ISO 8754 or ISO 14596 or STM D4294; see 6.3
Flash point	°C	min.	60,0				ISO 2719; see 6.4
Hydrogen sulfide	mg/kg	max.	2,00				IP 570; see 6.5
Acid number^e	mg KOH/g	max.	2,5				ASTM D664; see 6.6
Carbon residue content by mass – Micro method	%	max.	10,00	15,00	18,00	20,00	ISO 10370
Pour point (upper)^f	°C	max.	6	30			ISO 3016
Water content by volume	%	max.	0,30	0,50			ISO 3733
Ash content by mass	%	max.	0,070	0,100		0,150	ISO 6245
Vanadium	mg/kg	max.	150	350		350	IP 501, IP 470 or ISO 14597; see 6.13
Sodium	mg/kg	max.	50	100			IP 501, IP 470; see 6.14
Aluminium plus silicon	mg/kg	max.	40	60			IP 501, IP 470 or ISO 10478; see 6.15
Unrefined used lubricating oil (ULO) present: Calcium and zinc or Calcium and phosphorus	mg/kg		Calcium > 30 and zinc > 15 or Calcium > 30 and phosphorus > 15				IP 501 or IP 470, IP 500; see 6.16
Potential total sediment content by mass (TSP)	%	max.	0,10^g				ISO 10307-2, Procedure A; see 6.8
Accelerated total sediment content by mass (TSA)	%		Report^h				ISO 10307-2, Procedure B; see 6.8
Existent total sediment content by mass (TSE)	%		Report^h				ISO 10307-1; see 6.8
Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content by mass or volume	%		ⁱ				ASTM D7963; see 6.9
Actual viscosity to be reported to the ship. For fuels with high pour point, the viscosity can be calculated provided that the kinematic viscosities at two temperatures are known. 1 mm²/s = 1 cSt. For fuels with viscosity in the range of 2 mm²/s to 5 mm²/s (2 cSt to 5 cSt), the minimum viscosity requirement of the engine should be checked against the original equipment manufacturers’ recommendations. The buyer is expected to define the maximum sulfur content according to relevant statutory limitations. See Annex E. The buyer should confirm that this pour point is suitable for the ship’s intended area of operation. This limit applies to 10 g of test specimen only. Failure to complete filtration of 10 g within 25 min means the fuel does not meet the specification. In such case and for information only, 5 g filtration results can be reported according to the test method. The value shall be reported in accordance with the test method given. See 5.1 and Annex A. De minimis level amount of FAME means an amount not exceeding approximately 0,5 %. These categories are defined in ISO 8216-1.

The specifications are reproduced with the permission of the NBN. This standard can be obtained from the website at www.nbn.be. Copyright remains with ISO.

bio-residual marine fuels

Characteristics	Units	Limit	Category ISO-F-^j					Test methods(s) and references
Characteristics	Units	Limit	RF 20	RF 80	RF 180	RF 380	RF 500	Test methods(s) and references
General requirements			Clauses 5 to 10
Kinematic viscosity at 50 °C^a	mm²/s^b	max.	20,00	80,00	180,0	380,0	500,0	ISO 3104
Kinematic viscosity at 50 °C^a	mm²/s^b	min.	2,000^c	20,00	80,00	120,0	380,0	ISO 3104
Density at 15 °C	kg/m³	max.	955,0	991,0			1 010,0	ISO 3675 or ISO 12185; see 6.1
CCAI		max.	860	870				See 6.2
Sulfur content by mass	%		Statutory requirements^d					ISO 8754 or ISO 14596 or ASTM D4294; see 6.3
Flash point	°C	min.	60,0					ISO 2719; see 6.4
Hydrogen sulfide	mg/kg	max.	2,00					IP 570; see 6.5
Acid number^e	mg KOH/g	max.	2,5					ASTM D664; see 6.6
Carbon residue content by mass – Micro method	%	max.	10,00	15,00		18,00	20,00	ISO 10370
Pour point (upper)^f	°C	max.	6	30				ISO 3016
Water content by volume	%	max.	0,30	0,50				ISO 3733
Ash content by mass	%	max.	0,070	0,100			0,150	ISO 6245
Vanadium	mg/kg	max.	150	350			450	IP 501, IP 470 or ISO 14597; see 6.13
Sodium	mg/kg	max.	50	100				IP 501, IP 470; see 6.14
Aluminium plus silicon	mg/kg	max.	40	60				IP 501, IP 470 or ISO 10478; see 6.15
Unrefined used lubricating oil (ULO) present: Calcium and zinc or Calcium and phosphorus	mg/kg		Calcium > 30 and zinc > 15 or Calcium > 30 and phosphorus > 15					IP 501 or IP 470, IP 500; see 6.16
Potential total sediment content by mass (TSP)	%	max.	0,10^g					ISO 10307-2 Procedure A; see 6.8
Accelerated total sediment content by mass (TSA)	%		Report^h					ISO 10307-2 Procedure B; see 6.8
Existent total sediment content by mass (TSE)	%		Report^h					ISO 10307-2 Procedure B; see 6.8
FAME content by mass	%		Report^h					ASTM D7963 or IP 631; see 6.9
Net heat of combustion	MJ/kg		Report^h					ASTM D240; see 6.18
Actual viscosity to be reported to the ship. For fuels with high pour point, the viscosity can be calculated provided that the kinematic viscosities at two temperatures are known. 1 mm²/s = 1 cSt. For fuels with viscosity in the range of 2 mm2/s to 5 mm2/s (2 cSt to 5 cSt), the minimum viscosity requirement of the engine should be checked against the original equipment manufacturers’ recommendations. The buyer is expected to define the maximum sulfur content according to relevant statutory limitations. See Annex E. The buyer should confirm that this pour point is suitable for the ship’s intended area of operation. This limit applies to 10 g of test specimen only. Failure to complete filtration of 10 g within 25 min means the fuel does not meet the specification. In such case and for information only, 5 g filtration results can be reported according to the test method. The value shall be reported in accordance with the test method given. The seller shall report the FAME content in accordance with the test method given or as per blend ratio (stating whether it is a mass or volume ratio). These categories are defined in ISO 8216-1.

The specifications are reproduced with the permission of the NBN. This standard can be obtained from the website at www.nbn.be. Copyright remains with ISO.

residual marine fuels with sulfur content above 0,50 % by mass

Characteristics	Unit	Limit	Category ISO-F-^j					Test method(s) and references
Characteristics	Unit	Limit	RME 180H	RMG 180H	RMG 380H	RMK 500H	RMK 700H	Test method(s) and references
General requirements			Clauses 5 to 10
Kinematic viscosity at 50 °C^a	mm²/s^b	max.	180,0	180,0	380,0	500,0	700,0	ISO 3104
Kinematic viscosity at 50 °C^a	mm²/s^b	min.	20,00^c	20,00^c	120,0	150,0		ISO 3104
Density at 15 °C	kg/m³	max.	991,0			1 010,0		ISO 3675 or ISO 12185; see 6.1
CCAI^d		max.	860	870				See 6.2
Sulfur content by mass	%	max.	Statutory requirements^e					ISO 8754 or ISO 14596 or ASTM D4294; see 6.3
Flash point	°C	min.	60					ISO 2719; see 6.4
Hydrogen sulfide	mg/kg	max.	2,00					IP 570; see 6.5
Acid number^f	mg KOH/g	max.	2,5					ASTM D664; see 6.6
Accelerated or potential total sediment content by mass	%	max.	0,10g					ISO 10307-2; see 6.8.2
Carbon residue content by mass – Micro method	%	max.	15,00	18,00		20,00		ISO 10370
Pour point (upper)^h	°C	max.	30					ISO 3016
Water content by volume	%	max.	0,50					ISO 3733
Ash content by mass	%	max.	0,070	0,100		0,150		ISO 6245
Vanadium	mg/kg	max.	150	350		450		IP 501, IP 470 or ISO 14597; see 6.13
Sodium	mg/kg	max.	50	100				IP 501 or IP 470; see 6.14
Aluminium plus silicon	mg/kg	max.	50	60				IP 501, IP 470 or ISO 10478; see 6.15
Unrefined used lubricating oil (ULO) present: Calcium and zinc or Calcium and phosphorus	mg/kg		Calcium > 30 and zinc > 15 or Calcium > 30 and phosphorus > 15					IP 501 or IP 470, IP 500; see 6.16
Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content by mass or volume	%		ⁱ					ASTM D7963; see 6.9
For fuels with high pour point, the viscosity can be calculated provided that the kinematic viscosities at two temperatures are known. 1 mm²/s = 1 cSt. Fuels with viscosity below 20,00 mm²/s (20,00 cSt) can be agreed between seller and buyer. It is recommended to check the minimum viscosity requirement with the original equipment manufacturer recommendations. See Annex C. The buyer is expected to define the maximum sulfur content according to relevant statutory limitations. See Annex E. This limit applies to 10 g of test specimen only. Failure to complete filtration of 10 g within 25 min means the fuel does not meet the specification. In such case and for information only, 5 g filtration results can be reported according to the test method. The buyer should confirm that this pour point is suitable for the ship’s intended area of operation. See 5.1 and Annex A. De minimis level amount of FAME means an amount not exceeding approximately 0,5 %. These categories are defined in ISO 8216-1.

The specifications are reproduced with the permission of the NBN. This standard can be obtained from the website at www.nbn.be. Copyright remains with ISO.