The below is a statement from Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) concerning non-compliant bunker fuels at Fujairah port:
In the last three weeks, FOBAS has tested a number of samples from Fujairah which were ordered as ISO-F-RMG380 grade however sulphur exceeded the maximum specified limit of 3.50 % m/m.
Advised bunker details from respective Bunker Delivery Notes (BDN) as well as FOBAS quality analysis indicate these samples originate from a common fuel batch. The tested sulphur contents of these samples ranged from 3.72% m/m to 3.79% m/m. It should be noted that as per MARPOL Annex VI regulation 14.1.2, any fuel with sulphur content in excess of 3.50 % m/m cannot be used on board the vessel unless the ship is fitted with abatement technologies to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions.
In view of the above, if your ships comply with MARPOL regulations by burning compliant fuel and are planning to bunker in that region, we recommend that suppliers are advised of your concerns regarding the sulphur content of the fuel in the area, and that they provide you with additional reassurance that they will adhere to the ISO 8217 standard and relevant regulatory requirements.
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.
Related: Off-spec issues continue at Singapore, Fujairah bunker markets
Photo credit: Port of Fujairah
Published: 12 March, 2018
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