Contaminated fuel bunkered in Singapore is causing headaches for shipowners and charterers in the capesize and newcastlemax market, with the Brazilian market expected to be affected next quarter.

Marine fuel testing company Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) has identified 60 vessels that bunkered high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons at the port of Singapore between mid-February and mid-March.

Affected vessels are said to have suffered engine blackouts and other problems.