You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence EMEA News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features EMEA Fuel Quality Management for Vessels in Extended Idle: Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman & Adjacent Anchorages Fuel Quality Management for Vessels in Extended Idle: Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman & Adjacent Anchorages by Captain Rahul Choudhuri, Managing Director – VPS AMEA Monday June 8, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The Current Situation Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to most commercial shipping in late February 2026 , an estimated 1,550 vessels , carrying approximately 20,000 seafarers , have been unable to transit, or have chosen to remain at anchor in the Arabian Gulf , Gulf of Oman , and approaches. Traffic through the Strait, which normally averages around 138 vessels per day, has fallen to near-zero on most days. The conflict began on 28 February 2026 , resulting in vessels being idle for approximately 90 days . Many are expected to remain idle until a navigable resolution to the situation emerges, which cannot be predicted at this time. For vessel owners and operators responsible for such vessels, there is a need to focus on the technical consequences of extended idle upon fuel quality and what needs to be done in order to protect the vessel, crew and the environment. Fuel Quality Deterioration During Extended Idle Fuel deterioration in idle vessels is caused by a combination of time, temperature, water ingress, and inactivity. Each mechanism reinforces the others. The Arabian Gulf summer (June–September) is one of the most demanding storage environments in global shipping, with bunker tank temperatures on unshaded anchored vessels regularly reaching 50–55°C . Biofuel Blends The UAE, principally Fujairah and Jebel