Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued a bulletin to remind operators that IMO through Resolution MEPC.362(79) approved a change to the contents of the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) i.e., inclusion of a statement on flashpoint.
According to LR, appendix V of MARPOL Annex VI details the information which shall be displayed on the bunker delivery note. Currently reporting the fuels flashpoint is not a mandatory requirement. However, from 1st May 2024, BDN should state a specific flashpoint value of the fuel if flashpoint is below 70oC, otherwise a statement that the flashpoint has been measured at or above 70oC.
A Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) is the standard document required by Annex VI of MARPOL, which contains information on fuel oil delivery. It is the responsibility of the fuel oil suppliers to provide the bunker delivery note, which must remain on the vessel, for inspection purposes, for a period of three years after the fuel has been delivered.
Moreover, the amended Appendix V also stipulates the relevant test method for the flashpoint which is ISO 2719:2016, determination of flashpoint – Pensky-Martens closed cup method, Procedure A (for distillate fuels) or Procedure B (for Residual fuels).
Suppliers should start to put above information on the BDNs for fuel deliveries on and after 1st May 2024. However, in cases where this information is missing then as fuel buyers, this should be flagged with the supplier and recorded by issuing a ‘letter of protest’.
