Members should follow procedures as per their Shipboard Management Systems (SMS) and latest industry practices. The below guidelines are for Members’ awareness and not a replacement for their SMS. Usually, SMS contains history of bunker quality issues in fleet vessels and can be a good reference point for awareness.
1. Pre‑Fixing and Planning Stage
- Assess port-specific and supplier-specific risks.
- Avoid decisions based solely on lowest price.
- Specify latest ISO 8217 standard in charter parties. Members’ technical management team should review the latest ISO 8217 standard with regard to the specific ship before adhering to it.
- Review fuel suitability (stability, compatibility, cold flow).
- Obtain Certificate of Quality. Bunker fuel fingerprint (GC-MS) tracing is very handy in bunker claims.
- Consider bunker quantity and quality surveys.
- Insist that bunker samples (primary) will be ship samples and not barge samples. Refer MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.18 11 July 2024.
- Consider standard, independent, high-quality and high-integrity labs for bunker fuel testing.
- Avoid mixing stems unless compatibility confirmed.
- Maintain strict fuel segregation.
Exercise caution with:
- Biofuel blends.
2. Pre‑Bunkering Preparation
- Confirm tank readiness and segregation plan.
- Avoid commingling with existing bunkers.
- Conduct compatibility testing if required.
- Inspect and clean sampling equipment.
- Install drip sampler and record the seal number in Tank Gauging Form (TGF).
3. During Bunkering (Critical Stage)
Start continuous drip sampling at commencement.
Ensure sampling is:
- Continuous.
- Representative.
- Seal the needle valve and record seal numbers.
- Insist that bunker samples (primary) will be ship samples and not barge samples. Refer MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.18 11 July 2024.
Monitor for:
- Water ingress.
- Unusual appearance/density.
- Irregular flow.
- Unwarranted air blows during bunkering leading to a sudden increase in fluid flow (increased flow is known to impact Mass Flow Meter readings (MFM)).
- Unwarranted air blows towards end of bunkering operation (may lead to cappuccino effect).
- Use of heavy magnets on bunker barge supply line or in vicinity of MFM. It is known that heavy magnets impact MFM by affecting the fluid flow rates.
4. Sampling & Documentation
- Check seal integrity after completion.
- Mix sample thoroughly before bottling.
- Fill bottles in multiple passes.
- Apply unique numbered seals.
Record seal numbers on:
- Sample labels.
- BDN.
- TGF.
- Ensure samples are signed jointly with the supplier.
Do not:
- Sign/stamp labels before completion.
- Sign/stamp extra labels.
Remember to keep ship and staff stamps under strict control to avoid misuse.
5. Post‑Bunkering (Before Use)
- Send samples to standard, independent but high-quality and high-integrity labs for bunker fuel testing.
- Do NOT consume fuel until test results are received. Members technical team should highlight concerns to ship staff in cases where results are within range however closer to limits.
- If borderline results require additional testing and analysis, same should be considered.
Verify:
- BDN vs laboratory results.
- ISO limits and operational parameters (TSP, cat fines).
- Review results against any specific guidance in SMS of the company.
6. Fuel Management Onboard
- Adjust purifier settings to fuel characteristics as highlighted in the bunker fuel oil analysis reports.
- Maintain appropriate temperature (esp. paraffinic fuels) as highlighted in the bunker fuel oil analysis reports.
Monitor:
- Sludge formation.
- Filter condition.
- Separator performance.