DIESEL QUALITY TESTING – INSPECTION
Helping Buyers, Sellers, & End Users Worldwide!
Diesel testing is generally carried out for buyer-seller compliance, complete quality verification, and failure diagnosis. We cover all globally recognized diesel testing parameters most commonly used within Middle East regions, plus worldwide bunker and terminal coverage.
Verify before payment: EN590 10 PPM sulphur max 10 mg/kg, density 820-845 for automotive; DMA MGO clear & bright, max 890 density, 2-6 cSt viscosity, flash min 60C for SOLAS, 0.10% S for ECA. Check water, sediment, contamination to avoid filter blocking, purifier failure, engine deposits and customs rejection at Fujairah, Jebel Ali, Rotterdam, Singapore, Port Said, Suez.
Buyer Benefits: • Avoid off-spec bunker claims (No.1 dispute) • Prevent DPF/SCR damage • Ensure ECA compliance • Validate LC quantity & quality • Protect engines from microbial contamination
Get a Quote — BuyersCertify shipment per DIN EN 590, ISO 8217-2005/2010 DMA, UAE & ADNOC specs. Provide accredited certificate for Letter of Credit, insurance, port state control. Prove cold flow CFPP winter -15C, lubricity 460µm max, FAME content, H2S safety for crew.
Seller Benefits: • LC-compliant accredited certificate • Accepted by ADNOC, ENOC, Fujairah, Rotterdam • Fast 48H TAT / 24H Express • Prove 10 PPM ULSD & 0.10% S ECA • Avoid port state control detention
Get a Quote — SellersAnywhere / Anytime, the Worldwide → Get a Quote Today >>>
What is Marine Gas Oil (MGO)?
What is MGO DMA Definition?
Marine Gas Oil (MGO) is a high-quality distillate marine fuel, similar to automotive diesel but produced for marine diesel engines. DMA grade per ISO 8217 is the most common MGO specification worldwide.
Key Characteristics DMA:
• Distillate only — No residual fuel, no black colour
• Appearance: Clear & Bright — No free water, no visible sediment
• Density @15C: max 890 kg/m3 (lighter than DMB 900)
• Viscosity @40C: 2.0-6.0 cSt (good atomization)
• Flash Point: min 60°C per SOLAS safety (vs EN590 >55C)
• Sulphur: max 1.0% globally, max 0.10% in ECA zones (MARPOL Annex VI)
• Cetane Index: min 40 (ignition for medium-speed engines)
• Ash: max 0.010% — prevents valve deposits
• Used for: ECA compliance when switching from HFO, auxiliary engines, medium-speed propulsion, generators
MGO DMA vs DMB vs DFO — Comparison
| Grade | Type | Density Max | Viscosity | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMA (MGO) | Pure distillate | 890 kg/m3 | 2-6 cSt | Modern ships, ECA, low sediment |
| DMB (MDO) | Distillate + trace residual | 900 kg/m3 | up to 11 cSt | Older engines, darker colour allowed |
| DFO (Market) | Mixed | ~890-900 | variable | Market term, not ISO 8217 |
| DMZ | Distillate if DMA/DMB not possible | 890 | 2-6 cSt | Fallback grade |
Note: For Fujairah, Singapore, Rotterdam bunker supply, always specify DMA clear & bright to avoid off-spec claims. DMB allows slight residual and higher sediment.
Worldwide Oil Terminal Ports Coverage — Diesel & MGO DMA Testing
We provide sampling, testing and certification at worldwide oil storage terminals and bunker facilities. Accredited sampling per ASTM D4057/D4177, chain-of-custody, 90-day retain.
Fujairah Oil Terminal (FOT), Vopak Horizon Fujairah, GPS Chemoil, Brooge, Ecom, Jebel Ali, Hamriyah, Mussafah, Ruwais. Largest MGO DMA & diesel storage outside ARA. 24H sampling for cargo & bunker barges.
Oiltanking Odfjell Sohar, Duqm Refinery Terminal, Salalah. Growing diesel & MGO hub for ECA compliance, blending for EN590 10 PPM.
Aramco Yanbu, Jubail, Jeddah, Ras Tanura, Rabigh. ADNOC-like specs, super diesel Jordan, gasoil analysis, cargo inspection for 10 PPM shipments.
Mesaieed (Qatar), Sitra (Bahrain), Shuaiba & Mina Al-Ahmadi (Kuwait). Diesel testing for power generation & transport fleet.
Port Said (East & West), Alexandria (El Dekheila), Suez (Port Taufiq, Adabiya, Ain Sokhna), Damietta, Sidi Kerir, El Hamra. Critical for MGO DMA ECA compliance Suez transit, EN590 10 PPM, bunker storage, cargo inspection for Suez Canal passage, off-spec investigation, H2S safety. Coverage: SUMED Sidi Kerir, Alexandria Petroleum Terminal, Sonker Bunkering Suez.
Libya – Zawiya, Es Sider, Ras Lanuf; Tunisia – La Skhira, Bizerte; Algeria – Algiers, Skikda, Arzew, Bejaia; Morocco – Tangier Med, Mohammedia, Jorf Lasfar. Diesel & MGO DMA testing for Mediterranean ECA, gasoil analysis, Brookfield viscosity for winter Med, mercaptans.
Europe’s largest oil hub. EN590 10 PPM diesel, MGO DMA 0.10% S ECA, bio-FAME verification, cold flow CFPP winter -15C testing. Bunker storage facilities testing.
Jurong, Pulau Bukom, Tanjung Piai, Mundra, Sikka, Colombo. MGO DMA for ECA, EN590 for automotive export, gasoil analysis, H2S safety for crew.
Houston Ship Channel, New Orleans, New York Harbor. ASTM D975 diesel, DMA for marine, Brookfield viscosity for winter, mercaptans & H2S per EPA/OSHA.
Gibraltar, Algeciras, Piraeus, Malta, Durban, Mombasa, Djibouti, Lagos. Bunker storage facilities, off-spec investigation, microbial contamination testing.
| Service at Terminals | What We Test | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Shore Tank Sampling | Density, Viscosity, Flash, Water, Sediment | Representative cargo quality before pumping |
| Bunker Barge Sampling | DMA Appearance Clear & Bright, Sulphur 0.10%, Total Contamination | Prevent off-spec bunker claims |
| Bunker Storage Facilities | Oxidation Stability, Microbial, H2S, Ash, Carbon Residue | Long-term storage, avoid stratification & sludge |
| Pipeline & Blending | FAME Content EN 14078, Cetane, CFPP, Cloud Point | EN590 blending compliance |
| Cargo Inspection 10 PPM | Sulphur XRF D4294, Distillation D86, Lubricity ISO 12156 | LC release, customs, EN590 certificate |
Technical Deep Dive — Why Each Parameter Matters for MGO & Diesel
Density & Viscosity
Density @15C (ASTM D4052) controls energy per litre and quantity conversion. Viscosity @40C (D445) controls atomization in injectors. Low viscosity <2 cSt causes pump wear; high >6 cSt causes poor atomization for DMA. Brookfield D2983 checks -20C pumpability for Baltic winter.
Flash Point & Safety
Flash Point D93 (Pensky-Martens closed cup): EN590 >55C, DMA min 60C SOLAS. Low flash indicates contamination with gasoline or lighter distillate — safety risk for storage in bunker facilities. Critical for insurance & tanker classification.
Sulphur & Corrosion
Sulphur XRF D4294: EN590 10 mg/kg max for ULSD, DMA max 1.0% (ECA 0.10%). High sulphur damages DPF, SCR, causes acid corrosion. Copper Corrosion D130, Mercaptans D3227, H2S D5705 (2 ppm crew safety limit) check corrosive compounds.
Water & Sediment
Water D95 / Karl Fischer 200 mg/kg max — causes corrosion, microbial growth (Hormoconis resinae), filter blocking. Sediment by Extraction D473 / Total Contamination EN12662 24 mg/kg max — prevents purifier failure, injector wear. Clear & Bright appearance test mandatory for DMA.
Cold Flow & Distillation
CFPP EN116, Pour Point D97, Cloud Point: Winter diesel needs -15C CFPP (EN590), summer +5C. Distillation D86 / EN3405: IBP, FBP, 95% at 360C max — heavy ends cause deposits. Important for Port Said winter, Rotterdam ARA, Sidi Kerir storage.
Cetane & Combustion
Cetane Number EN5165 min 51 (EN590), Cetane Index D976/EN4264 min 46 (DMA min 40). Low cetane causes ignition delay, white smoke, cold start failure. Carbon Residue D189 0.30% max, Ash D482 0.01% max — predicts combustion chamber deposits and valve wear.
Diesel Testing Major Packages — As per Industrial Needs/Specs
| Basic Diesel — 5 Tests (Quick Fitness) | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | PARAMETER | METHOD |
| 1 | Density @15C | ASTM D4052 |
| 2 | Colour | D1500 |
| 3 | Flash Point | D93 |
| 4 | Sulphur | D4294 |
| 5 | Water Content | D95 |
| Full Diesel — 15 Parameters (Standard Advanced) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Acid No Total/Strong | D974 |
| 3 | Pour Point | D97 |
| 4 | Density | D4052 |
| 5 | Sediment Extraction | D473 |
| 6 | Viscosity @40C | D445 |
| 7 | Water | D95 |
| 8 | Sulphur | D4294 |
| 9 | Distillation IBP/FBP/Res/Loss | D86 |
| 10 | Ash | D482 |
| 11 | Carbon Residue 10% | D189 |
| 12 | Cetane Index | D976 |
| 13 | Colour | D1500 |
| 14 | Copper Corrosion 3Hr@100C | D130 |
| 15 | Flash Point | D93 |
| Package | Standard | Key Tests Added |
|---|---|---|
| DIN EN 590 | EN 590:2022 | Cetane No 51 min, CFPP, Lubricity 460µm, FAME 7%, PAH 8% |
| Diesel 10 PPM Cargo | EN590 10 PPM | Sulphur 10 mg/kg max XRF, Distillation 95% 360C |
| UAE Spec | UAE.S 502:2017 | Colour, Distillation, Total Contamination |
| ADNOC Spec | ADNOC | As per ADNOC refinery certificate, custom limits |
| MGO DMA ISO 8217-2005 | ISO 8217:2005 | Appearance Clear & Bright, Ash 0.010%, Water 200 mg/kg |
| MGO DMA ISO 8217-2010 | ISO 8217:2010 | Updated H2S limit 2 mg/kg, Acid No 0.5 mgKOH/g |
| Gasoil Analysis | BS 2869 | Class D gasoil, red diesel marker |
| Super Diesel Jordan | Jordan JS 1225 | Cetane booster, lubricity additive verification |
| Brookfield Viscosity | ASTM D2983 | Low-temp pumpability -20C, -30C |
| Mercaptans & H2S | D3227/D5705 | Corrosive sulphur, crew safety 2 ppm limit |
| EN590 Spec — 10 PPM ULSD Limits | Value |
|---|---|
| Density @15C | 820-845 kg/m3 |
| Cetane Number | min 51 |
| Cetane Index | min 46 |
| Flash Point | >55°C |
| Sulphur | max 10 mg/kg |
| CFPP Winter / Summer | -15 / +5°C |
| Water | 200 mg/kg max |
| Total Contamination | 24 mg/kg max |
| Lubricity WS1.4 | 460 µm max |
| FAME | max 7% v/v |
| MGO DMA Density | max 890 kg/m3 |
| MGO DMA Viscosity | 2.0-6.0 cSt @40C |
| MGO DMA Flash | min 60°C |
| MGO DMA Sulphur ECA | 0.10% max |
FAQ — Learn the What, Why, and How?
What is Marine Gas Oil (MGO) DMA?
MGO DMA is a distillate marine fuel per ISO 8217, clear & bright, max 890 kg/m3 density, 2-6 cSt viscosity, flash min 60C SOLAS, sulphur max 1.0% globally (0.10% in ECA per MARPOL Annex VI). Used for ECA compliance and medium-speed engines.
What is difference between MGO DMA, DMB, DFO?
DMA is pure distillate, clear & bright. DMB contains trace residual, darker. DFO is market term mixed. For modern ships, DMA preferred.
Which oil terminals do you cover?
Fujairah (FOT, Vopak Horizon), Jebel Ali, Sohar, Duqm, Yanbu, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Rotterdam ARA, Singapore Jurong, Houston, Gibraltar, Panama, Durban, Mombasa.
Which Egypt ports do you cover for MGO DMA and diesel?
All major Egypt ports: Port Said East & West, Alexandria & El Dekheila, Suez — Port Taufiq, Adabiya, Ain Sokhna, Damietta, Sidi Kerir SUMED terminal, El Hamra. Services: MGO DMA clear & bright per ISO 8217, EN590 10 PPM, bunker storage testing, H2S/mercpatans, cargo inspection for Suez Canal Authority compliance.
What is bunker storage facilities testing?
Testing shore tanks for MGO DMA: density, viscosity, flash, water Karl Fischer, sediment extraction, ash, total contamination, oxidation stability, H2S, microbial. Prevents sludge, stratification, off-spec delivery.
Why test for buyers and sellers?
Diesel testing covers standards per user requirements to meet agreed deal, checks complete quality, and finds peculiar reasons for problems caused by diesel use. Required for LC, customs, insurance, port state control.
Accredited Test Labs | Middle East – Far East – Africa – Europe – America – Australia – Asia
Worldwide Terminals: Fujairah • Jebel Ali • Port Said • Alexandria • Suez • Damietta • Sohar • Yanbu • Rotterdam ARA • Singapore • Houston • Salalah/Duqm • Yanbu / Ras Tanura • Gwadar / Port Qasim
Diesel testing is generally carried out for certain reasons. The most common reason is among the buyers and sellers and then the test covers certain standards and specifications as per user requirements to meet the agreed deal. Diesel analysis also required either to check complete quality of the properties diesel contains and sometime to find out peculiar reasons of the problems caused by the use of diesel. We have covered all the globally recognized diesel testing parameters and the test packages used most commonly within Middle East regions.
Please find below All types of Diesel Testing Parameters and Test Methods
- Basic Diesel Analysis
- Full Diesel Analysis
- Diesel Testing as per DIN EN 590 Specification
- Diesel 10 PPM Testing for Cargo Shipments
- Diesel Analysis UAE Specification
- Diesel Analysis as per ADNOC Specifications
- Brookfield Viscosity Test
- Diesel Fuel Testing for Mercaptans and H2S
- Specialized Diesel Analysis
- Gasoil Analysis
- Marine Gas Oil (MGO) Testing as per DMA Specification
- Super Diesel Testing as per Jordan Standards
- Marine Gas Oil (MGO) Testing as per ISO 8217-2005 Specs
- Marine Gas Oil (MGO) Testing as per ISO 8217-2010 Specs
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Middle East – Far East – Africa – Europe – America – Australia – Asia
