Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) issued a bulletin on Wednesday (6 March) underscoring the necessity for Bunker Delivery Notes (BDNs) to specify the flashpoint value of fuel if it falls below 70°C starting from 1 May 2024. This directive follows an approved amendment to MARPOL Annex VI.
Over the years, MARPOL Annex VI has undergone several revisions, including the addition of chapters IV and V.
Similarly, IMO’s MEPC.362(79) has sanctioned a modification to the content of Bunker Delivery Note (BDN), namely the inclusion of flashpoint details. Appendix V of MARPOL Annex VI outlines the information required on the BDN. Currently, reporting the flashpoint of fuels is not obligatory.
However, effective from 1st May 2024, BDNs must specify the flashpoint value if it is below 70°C. If the flashpoint meets or exceeds 70°C, the BDN should include a statement to that effect. Additionally, the regulation mandates the use of the ISO 2719:2016 test method for determining flashpoint, specifically Procedure A for distillate fuels and Procedure B for residual fuels.
Suppliers are advised to incorporate this information into BDNs for fuel deliveries commencing on or after 1st May 2024. In cases where this information is absent, fuel buyers should notify the supplier and document the issue by issuing a ‘letter of protest’.
