The Dali cargo ship experienced a power failure before crashing into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Investigators are looking into possible fuel contamination as a cause of the incident, which is believed to result in scores of ships losing power and propulsion each year. There is limited oversight in this area, and instances of contaminated fuel are often not reported, leading to potential safety hazards. Data on the Dali’s fueling activities before reaching the East Coast has been reviewed and tracked using various methods, shedding light on where the ship may have picked up the fuel in question.
Experts in the maritime industry emphasize the risks posed by fuel contamination, which can compromise the safety of crew members, cause pollution, and damage the reputation of shipping companies. While investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the Dali’s power failure, the focus has brought attention to this little-known problem in the industry. Fuel contamination incidents can occur anywhere and at any time, and while they are often unintentional, there have been cases of fuel providers engaging in dishonest practices to increase supply and profit.
Fuel management in the maritime industry is complex, with a lack of stringent regulations in many countries. While water is a common contaminant, other particulates can cause severe system failures. The supply chain for ship fuel can be opaque, making it difficult to trace the origin of contaminants. Instances of contaminated fuel are not always reported unless they pose significant harm or risk, highlighting the gaps in oversight and reporting in the industry. Despite some incidents sparking industry warnings and investigations, many cases of bad fuel go unreported.
There have been several incidents in recent years where ships experienced power loss due to contaminated fuel, leading to investigations and legal battles. In 2018, around 200 ships were affected by fuel contaminated with a harmful chemical, while in 2022, nearly three dozen ships reported power and engine problems due to contaminated fuel. The source of the contamination was traced back to suppliers in Singapore and China. More recently, the U.S. Gulf Coast experienced disruptions due to contaminated fuel from Houston and Singapore. These incidents have highlighted the need for improved testing and monitoring of fuel quality in the maritime industry to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
