Widespread Increase Of Catfines In Marine Fuel

Reports by Gard members and clients indicate a significant increase in catfines in both Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil and High Sulphur Fuel Oil in major bunkering ports during August 2025.

Catfines are microscopic, abrasive particles that pose a significant threat to a vessel's engine. Short for catalytic fines, these particles are composed mainly of aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si). Along with viscosity and water, catfines are considered one of the three most critical properties to monitor in fuel quality at the engine inlet. To put their size into perspective, catfine particles range from 1 to 75 microns.

A micron, or micrometer, is just 0.001 millimeters. In comparison, a human hair is about 50 to 70 microns thick, and a fine grain of sand is around 90 microns. Larger particles are more abrasive and can cause severe wear and damage to critical engine components such as cylinder liners, piston rings, and fuel injectors.

Published by Gard.

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