Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) warned shipowners that the fuel testing laboratory found Total Sediment Potential (TSP) results exceeding the ISO 8217 specification limit of 0.10% m/m when testing VLSFO samples from the ARA region in the last three weeks.
FOBAS has tested several samples from the ARA region which had tested Total Sediment Potential (TSP) results exceeding the ISO 8217 specification limit of 0.10% m/m. The samples were all VLSFO fuels and TSP results were ranging from 0.18%m/m to 0.21%m/m.
Fuels with high sediments can cause excessive sludge deposition in tanks and throughout the handling and treatment/fuel injection systems. Furthermore, in certain cases the attempted use of such fuels may result in highly compromised combustion leading to engine and turbocharger damage.
As a result, ships planning to bunker in this port or nearby area are recommended to advise suppliers of their concerns regarding the stability of the fuel, and that they provide the ships with additional reassurance that they will comply with the ISO 8217 requirements for the grade ordered.
Moreover, additional attention should be given to the collection of bunker samples. It should also be ensured that all parties should witness the sampling process and sign witness forms, and that the supporting documentation includes records of all the samples considered representative of the fuel as loaded.
