The below is a statement from Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) concerning high density marine fuel at Santos port:
In the last week, FOBAS has tested a number of samples from Santos, which were ordered as ISO-F-RMG380 grade however density exceeded the specified limit of 991.0 kg/m3. The density results of these fuel samples range from 992.0 ~ 993.8 kg/m3. Other fuel parameters indicate satisfactory results.
The performance and operation of the fuel separation plant may be affected if on-board purifiers are not capable of handling high density (>991.0 kg/m3) fuels. Particular attention is needed if water seal purifiers are installed which may require operation in clarifier mode with optimum de-sludging frequency to avoid water carry over. However, the treatment of these fuels should not be an operational problem where ships are equipped with purifiers capable of handling high density fuels.
If your ships are planning to bunker in this port, we recommend that any fuel treatment plant limitation highlighted in above paragraph should be considered and additional reassurance sought from supplier that they will adhere to the ISO 8217 requirements for the grade ordered.
Additional attention should be given to the collection of bunker samples. It should be ensured that all parties have witnessed the sampling process and have signed witness forms accordingly, and that the supporting documentation includes records of all the samples considered representative of the fuel as loaded.
Photo credit: China Dredging Association
Published: 15 March, 2018
Program introduces periodic assessments, mass flow metering data analysis, and regular training for relevant key personnel to better handle the MFMS to ensure a high level of continuous operational competency.
U.S. Claims Register Summary recorded a total USD 833 million claim from a total 180 creditors against O.W. Bunker USA, according to the creditor list seen by Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.
Glencore purchased fuel through Straits Pinnacle which contracted supply from Unicious Energy. Contaminated HSFO was loaded at Khor Fakkan port and shipped to a FSU in Tanjong Pelepas, Malaysia to be further blended.
Individuals were employees of surveying companies engaged by Shell to inspect the volume of oil loaded onto the vessels which Shell supplied oil to; they allegedly accepted bribes totalling at least USD 213,000.
MPA preliminary investigations revealed that the affected marine fuel was supplied by Glencore Singapore Pte Ltd who later sold part of the same cargo to PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
‘MPA had immediately contacted the relevant bunker suppliers to take necessary steps to ensure that the relevant batch of fuel was no longer supplied. Further investigations are currently on-going,’ it informs.