Views lab in its latest technical update mentions the important precautions to take while using new VLSFO fuels.
Problems shown up
Based on their customers experience, the following are the problems shown up.
Contaminated/adulterated
The VLSFO fuel itself is new and we have been finding that some of these fuels are also contaminated/adulterated.
Please refer to our “Technical Update 2019_12_23 ‐ Here it comes – VLSFO fuels with contamination”, where 6 VLSFO fuels contained serious contaminants.
Problems/damages not covered
The problem is compounded because some of the P&I clubs have made it clear that they will not cover problems/damages caused by these contaminated fuels.
The stand of P&I clubs is that the VLSFO fuel itself is new and, on top of it, if there is also contamination/adulteration they are not willing to cover the risks.
Users on high alert
This puts the fuel user and the Charterer (who is ordering the fuel) on high alert.
- First of all, a comprehensive testing should be carried out to make sure that there are no contaminants/adulterants in the fuel.
- Must make a claim with the supplier within the stipulated time (15 days or 30 days) as per the fuel purchase contract with the supplier.
- Make it very clear to the charterer and the supplier that you may not get Risk damage cover from P&I club. Therefore, it is imperative that the charterer/supplier ensure that the fuel is free from contamination.
The above deserves your highest attention so that you do not get into a messy situation.
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Source: Viswa Group
