Simms Showers Principal Steve Simms examines how force majeure clauses apply in the bunker (marine fuel) industry, especially amid geopolitical disruptions like the 2026 Middle East conflict. Force majeure allows parties to avoid or suspend contractual obligations when extraordinary, unforeseeable events occur—but only if the contract clearly defines those events.

Steve Simms writes that the US bunkering market in 2025 is shaped by political disengagement from global climate policy combined with continued domestic fuel intervention. While the US has withdrawn from IMO climate negotiations, bunker suppliers operating in the US must still meet IMO and EU requirements to serve globally trading vessels. The near-term US fuel strategy favors LNG and biofuels, alongside continued use of compliant conventional fuels.