When it comes to bunkering at the high seas, the engine of a marine vessel can be sensitive to a wide range of parameters. Mostly, distillate fuels or residual fuels are ordered as per the level of their viscosity. It is an important parameter for selection but not the only one. There are many other characteristics and properties of bunker oil that should be clearly understood before ordering bunker oil for fishing boats, cruise ships, container ships, and other vessels. Here are some key points that you should know about the delivery and sampling practices related to this industry.
Bunker Oil Delivery
Large volumes of bunker oil are delivered to vessels sailing on the high seas. It becomes important to understand the marine practices, methods, and procedures used for physical deliveries of bunker fuel. It entails extensive paperwork including pre-delivery documentation and signing off with a bunker delivery note (BDN). The pre-delivery documents record the agreement related to the operational details of the bunkering to maintain efficiency and safety. It is issued by the representatives of the seller and contains the grade along with the nominated quantity of fuel.
The BDN on the other hand, is a proper record with the details of transfer. It includes the name and IMO of the receiving vessel, date(s) the fueling took place, location, product name, supplier details, quantity, density, and sulfur content in the oil. Apart from these, there is a bunker checklist to be prepared by the engineering staff.
Determining the Quantity of Bunker Oil
There are different methods of determining the volume of bunker oil in fishing vessels or other receiving containers. Basically, you can assess the same by the sounding reports of the receiving tanks. However, sometimes they may lack accuracy due to inconsistencies in the calibration tables. Surveyors are appointed for the access to the tanks. They are responsible for comparing calculations. When delivering by bunker barges, the temperature of the bunkers is taken at the beginning and completion of the delivery. The volumes are then corrected to standard temperature ratings.
Fuel Oil Sampling
It is extremely important for accuracy in the bunkering process. There are strict regulations laid down by IMO Resolution to obtain the sample of bunker oil delivered to a ship. This sample should be continuously drawn during the bunkering period to check the properties of fuel at the time and place of custody transfers.
The most commonly used method of fuel sampling is a drip type sampler that is both cost-effective and efficient. The specs of the fuel oil used and delivered onboard a ship should be recorded in the BDN. The quantity of sample to be stored shouldn’t be less than 400ml and it can be used for a period of 12 months.
For accurate delivery and sampling, companies and fuel suppliers should diligently follow the regulations and best practices.
