Following the occurrence of multiple fuel oil contamination cases from Houston and other ports, Intertanko and other agencies raised this issue with MEPC. Viswa Lab in its latest technical update briefs about the counter measures taken in the MEPC 74 meeting.
What are the measures taken?
Certain counter measures have been taken in the draft MEPC 74 meeting. They are :
BDN document
Parties to MARPOL Annex VI, pursuant to regulation 18.9 should ensure that appropriate action is taken against fuel oil suppliers when the delivered fuel does not comply with what is declared in the BDN document.
This is not a simple straight case of the variance between the numbers stated in the BDN and what has been obtained after testing of the fuel.
Variance in numbers
Many suppliers have taken a stand that this variance by itself does not constitute an offence and they have asked the fuel buyer/user to prove that the variance has resulted in a fuel related problem/damage.
Variance not to be ignored
Recognizing that it is not easy to provide such proof, the MEPC has taken a stand which clearly states that if the test results show variance from the numbers shown in the BDN, this should invite appropriate action from the authorities.
To assist with questions related to 2020 fuels Viswa has started and in‐house ‘Working Group’. You can reach us at wgfuels2020@theviswagroup.com
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like your VLSFO’s tested.
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Source: Viswa
