Problems related to bunkers can massively impact daily operations of ships. Information about bunker quality issues is of high value and for this reason BIMCO has entered into a new cooperation with Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) who publishes regular Bunker Alerts.
The bunker samples are analysed by VPS whenever a short-term quality issue is identified in a specific port or region. The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
Bunker Alerts are usually limited to the company’s clients, but they have also permitted BIMCO’s Members to access the information.
During March, the UK Club reported that they see several bunker quality issues from delivery of alleged off-specification or contaminated bunkers. In many of these cases fuel sampling procedures on board at the time of delivery have been found inadequate and in many cases unreliable.
It is reported that the issues are due to the availability of two locations for sampling – one at the receiving vessels manifold and the other at the bunker barge’s manifold. While the MARPOL Convention (and consequently the MARPOL sample) clearly identifies the bunker manifold of the receiving vessel as the appropriate location for sampling, ISO 13739 (which provides guidance on Commercial sampling) states from either end of the bunker hose.
As bunker sampling is a crucial operation, it should be reminded that the Commercial sample is used as evidence in disputes over quality of the fuel and the MARPOL sample provides evidence to the Flag States and Port States regarding adherence to the MARPOL requirements.
