In its latest Safety Digest, the UK MAIB described an incident of a Heavy Sulphur Fuel Oil overflow during bunkering operation. MAIB highlighted that at least one of the two isolating valves that caused the incident could have been closed fully if it had been checked as per the checklist.
MPA Singapore announced that it has started the acceptance tests to roll out MFM on bunker tankers for the delivery of distillates. Namely, the use of Mass Flow Meters for bunker tankers to deliver distillates in the Port of Singapore will be Mandatory by 1 July 2019.
GoodFuels Marine and Blockchain Labs for Open Collaboration, have successfully completed the world’s first bunker delivery and transaction using blockchain technology. The delivery was made to a Samskip vessel through a Reinplus Vanwoerden bunker barge in Rotterdam on September 7th.
Recent reports of a rise in fuel contamination cases have increased the industry’s concerns over quality of blended fuels. From 1 January 2020, a spike in demand for new low sulphur blends will greatly increase the risk of contamination, argues Lars Robert Pedersen, Deputy Secretary General of BIMCO.
Maersk and Royal Vopak, a tank storage operator active in Rotterdam’s bunker environment, have agreed to launch 0,5% sulphur fuel bunkering facility in Rotterdam. This initiative which will cater for almost 20% of Maersk global demand, will enable the company to deliver about 2.3mt per year.
Blockchain technology experts Blockchain Labs for Open Collaboration announced, through Maritime Blockchain Labs, the establishment of a consortium to address traceability and transparency in the marine fuel supply chain, bringing together LR, Precious Shipping, Bostomar, BIMCO, IBIA, and GoodFuels.
Alvin Forster, Deputy Director (Loss Prevention) at North P&I Club, talks about bunker spills incidents and their impacts. Mr. Forster outlines the most common causes of bunker spills and says that they can lead to expensive claims, reaching several million dollars.
In its Monthly Safety Scenario for July, the Swedish Club describes a case of an oil spill during a vessel’s bunkering operations. Following investigation, the Club recommended that all involved parties should be informed when tanks are switched and that crew should always ensure the valves are completely shut and working.
MPA Singapore conducted checks on Pegasus earlier this year, discovering that the company had allowed an unlicensed craft operator to use its bunker craft to make bunker deliveries. MPA revoked Pegasus bunker craft operator licence, and it will not be allowed to operate as a bunker craft operator in the Port of Singapore.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy, Boakye Agyarko revealed that the country is creating a Ship-to-Ship and Bunker Zones outside Tema and Takoradi Ports to safeguard Ghana’s future liquid cargo sector. The African country also aims to reduce CO2 shipping emissions by 80% until 2050.
