Beyond ISO 8217: How GCMS Redefines Marine Fuel Quality:
Marine fuels are evolving – and so are their challenges.
With the introduction of diverse feedstocks since 2020, the chemistry of marine fuels has become more complex than ever. Variability, contamination, and instability now pose significant operational risks for shipowners and operators worldwide.
At Viswa, we have pioneered the use of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) to bring unseen chemistry to light – transforming laboratory data into actionable insights for proactive fuel quality management.
From Analysis to Action:
While ISO 8217 defines the basic standards for marine fuel quality, our field experience has shown that these fuels can still cause serious issues – from sludging and filter clogging to pump seizures and even blackouts.
That is where GCMS becomes indispensable.
It helps detect chemical “fingerprints” that routine tests often miss – providing a deeper look into the root causes of fuel instability and equipment damage.
By combining GCMS findings with port history, fuel source, and vessel feedback, Viswa turns complex chemical data into practical intelligence – helping operators make informed and proactive decisions.
Insights from Global Incidents:
Over the years, Viswa’s GCMS investigations have revealed distinct contamination trends across key regions:
| Region & Year | Operational Issue | Key Compounds Identified |
| Singapore (2022) | Fuel pump seizure, corrosion, filter choking | Organic chlorides |
| ARA Region (2023-2024) | Cashew nutshell liquid contamination | Phenolic & oxygenated compounds |
| US Gulf Coast (2023-2024) | Sludging, corrosion | 2-Ethylhexanol, tetrachloroethylene, FAME, free fatty acids |
| Turkey (2025) | Reactive fuel instability | Phenolic & oxygenated compounds |
| New Orleans (2025) | Reduced engine efficiency | Oxygenated compounds & fatty acids |
Each of these fuels met ISO specifications – yet there were still significant problems with the fuel use.
GCMS uncovered the hidden chemistry behind them.
Levels of GCMS Testing:
- GCMS Screening
A rapid, cost-effective screening test to identify the presence of organic chlorides, phenolics, reactive species, alcohols, and oxygenated compounds. - GCMS Comprehensive Analysis (CRA)
A deep-dive analysis evaluating for halogenated, oxygenated, phenolic, reactive, alcohol, nitrogen compounds, and FAMEs. This test provides detailed chemical profiles for diagnostic and predictive assessment. - GCMS Acid Analysis
This test is for the assessment of free fatty acids, which are often corrosive and linked to metal wear, deposit formation, and fuel instability.
Viswa’s specialized derivatization process ensures accurate detection, even for complex polar compounds.
The Viswa Advantage:
As the maritime industry transitions toward bio-based and alternative fuels, in depth analysis is no longer optional – it is essential.
Viswa’s evolving GCMS database grows with every test, every vessel feedback, and every new incident analyzed. This continuously enhances our ability to predict, detect, and prevent future contamination events.
Because ultimately –
GCMS is more than a test.
It is a safeguard.
A window into the unseen chemistry of your fuel.
And with expert interpretation, it becomes a cornerstone of reliable, data-driven fuel quality management.
