After FOBAS tested a number of samples from the ports of Piraeus and Volos, it found out that the Total Sediment Potential (TSP) was above the specified ISO 8217 limit of 0.10% mass. The TSP results of these fuel samples range from 0.17 – 0.24% mass, while other fuel parameters presented satisfactory results.
Bunker details from Bunker Delivery Notes (BDN) as well as FOBAS quality analysis, show that these samples appear to cone from the same set of fuel delivered over a period of time.
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Moreover, extended analysis by Total Sediment Existent (TSE) and Toluene Wash showed that the high sediment results were because of extraneous dirt and precipitated asphaltenic material, indicating the fuel to be unstable. Unstable fuels can cause excessive sludge deposition in tanks and throughout the handling and treatment/fuel injection systems.
Subsequently, FOBAS recommends ships planning to bunker in that region to advise suppliers about concerns regarding the stability of the fuel in the area, and to provide them with additional reassurance that they will comply with the ISO 8217 requirements for the grade ordered.
Additional attention should be given to the collection of bunker samples. It should be ensured that all parties have witnessed the sampling process and have signed witness forms accordingly, and that the supporting documentation includes records of all the samples considered representative of the fuel as loaded.