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
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‘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.
