- Bunker represent the biggest single cost for the shipowners and charterers.
- It is important that the ship’s crew checks the fuel quality and compare it to what the bunker delivery receipts and certificate of quality state.
- Even if the documents do not provide the full analysis of the fuel the Chief Engineer should at least check the fuel density, sulphur content, viscosity and quantity.
We have recently seen an uptake of bunker quality disputes between our members and bunker suppliers, says an article published on skuld website.
Bunker biggest single cost for the shipowners
Bunker represent the biggest single cost for the shipowners and charterers and effective bunker procurement management should start by selecting good bunker suppliers ensuring that ships receive the correct fuel quantity and quality.
It is not always easy to check whether the purchased bunker is the same quality as the one being delivered, and bunker quality may differ around the world with different blending processes increasing the risk of contamination or low fuel quality.
Some residual fuels have been used as a dumping ground for waste chemicals which cause serious damage to the main and auxiliary engines.
Checks the fuel quality & compare it
We still see bunker cases with chemical compounds similar to what we saw in the Houston bunker contamination cases a few years ago.
It is important that the ship’s crew checks the fuel quality and compare it to what the bunker delivery receipts and certificate of quality state.
Even if the documents do not provide the full analysis of the fuel the Chief Engineer should at least check the fuel density, sulphur content, viscosity and quantity.
Skuld advices
Skuld always advises its members and clients to perform a proper due diligence when ordering or procuring bunker:
- It is very important to always conduct a vetting procedure when selecting good bunker suppliers
- Always check the sales terms like time bars, sampling clause as well as the warranty as to the fitness of the fuel
- Always ask for documentation of fuel batches from the fuel supplier
- Ask for and always check the Certificate of Quality prior to bunkering
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Source: skuld
