West of England P&I Club – Updated information
The West of England P&I Club issues a new Loss Prevention Bulletin regarding Guidance on the identification and management of the cappuccino effect when receiving fuel oil.
A recent bunker dispute involving an entered vessel highlighted a well-known ploy whereby a bunker supplier alleged that more fuel oil had been provided to the vessel than had actually been received.
The vessel, a bulk carrier, arrived in Singapore and began to bunker 900 tonnes of high sulphur fuel oil. The crew was alerted to the fact that something was wrong by the rattling of the float valves situated inside the fuel tank vent head bonnets. It was found that air was escaping from the vents at a greater rate than would normally be expected.
In addition, the bunker supply hose lying on deck was seen to be jerking violently. Further, when tank soundings were subsequently taken, the sounding tape and brass bob were found to be covered in bubbles of fuel oil.
For more information, click Bunker Disputes-The “Cappuccino Effect”
Source: The West of England P&I Club
