- Structured bunker procurement minimizes fuel disputes and ensures supplier accountability.
- Key metrics like supplier type, delivery history, and quality control help evaluate risks.
- Internal feedback loops and scorecard-based vetting drive continuous improvement.
Effective bunker procurement plays a critical role in minimizing operational risks, particularly in an industry where fuel quality and quantity can significantly impact voyage performance and cost, reports Steamship Mutual.
While the process of ordering fuel may seem routine, without a robust and transparent procurement framework, operators can face recurring issues such as disputes over quantity shortfalls or poor-quality fuel leading to engine failures.
Bunker procurement plan
To avoid these risks, organizations are encouraged to establish a bunker procurement plan. This plan can either be a standalone document or integrated into a broader procurement or quality management system. Its primary function is to offer a structured, repeatable approach for evaluating potential suppliers. A key method includes the use of supplier scorecards, allowing companies to assess bidders using pre-defined metrics that align with business priorities.
The effectiveness of a procurement plan depends heavily on the quality of information used to evaluate suppliers. Important metrics include whether the supplier is a physical bunker provider or reliant on third parties, the degree of control they exercise over fuel quality and custody, their past performance in terms of successful deliveries, and the frequency of any previous disputes. These factors should be weighted based on their potential impact—suppliers with direct control over fuel sourcing, for example, typically offer lower risk.
Internal intelligence contribute to feedback loop
Data for these evaluations should be drawn from both external sources and internal experiences. Feedback from crew members and vessel managers about previous bunker deliveries is invaluable. This internal intelligence, when collected systematically, contributes to a feedback loop that strengthens future decision-making and ensures that suppliers are held accountable for their performance.
Using a structured scoring and threshold system ensures procurement decisions are consistent and auditable. If a supplier does not meet the minimum criteria, the plan should require escalation or rejection. Over time, this approach not only reduces operational and legal disputes but also fosters a culture of transparency and continuous improvement within the procurement function.
A well-designed bunker procurement strategy protects shipowners and charterers by improving supplier reliability, lowering the risk of fuel-related incidents, and promoting greater control over operational outcomes. It serves not just as a compliance tool, but as a value-adding function in maritime operations.
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Source: Steamship Mutual
