Bunker quality disputes
Challenges
The Marpol sample of Diesel Bunkers supplied at a SE Asian Port failed upon tests in areas of flash point by an approved lab under, ‘Fuel Oil Bunker Analysis and Advisory Service’ (FOBAS), parameters.
Upon receipt of result, the vessel promptly isolated the Bunker tank.
Reason being, lower flash point is a fire hazard in engine room. Further, may not be compatible for engine use.
Challenge was for unloading/ landing unsuitable bunkers and also arranging of suitable bunkers at New Mangalore.
Upon receipt of result, the vessel promptly isolated the Bunker tank.
Reason being, lower flash point is a fire hazard in engine room. Further, may not be compatible for engine use.
Challenge was for unloading/ landing unsuitable bunkers and also arranging of suitable bunkers at New Mangalore.
Action Taken
As Charterers were contesting the issue, involvement for Charterers side was warranted.
Accordingly, Owners, Charterers, Shippers, Surveyors were involved in the Survey related activities.
Representative multi-level samples were drawn from the relevant tank.
De-bunkering was onto tanker trucks for onward disposal.
The off-spec composite samples consisting of multi-level tank samples and drip samples during de-bunkering were forwarded to private laboratory.
Subsequent lab results confirmed SE Asian Port Bunker sample was off-spec.
Before de-bunkering, New Mangalore supplied bunkers which were received in the other empty bunker tank. Samples taken as per standard procedure.
Quantity was in agreement with supplier quantity.
Regarding quality, the samples were forwarded to Mumbai laboratory.
Lab tests confirmed New Mangalore supplied bunkers were ‘on spec’
Accordingly, Owners, Charterers, Shippers, Surveyors were involved in the Survey related activities.
Representative multi-level samples were drawn from the relevant tank.
De-bunkering was onto tanker trucks for onward disposal.
The off-spec composite samples consisting of multi-level tank samples and drip samples during de-bunkering were forwarded to private laboratory.
Subsequent lab results confirmed SE Asian Port Bunker sample was off-spec.
Before de-bunkering, New Mangalore supplied bunkers which were received in the other empty bunker tank. Samples taken as per standard procedure.
Quantity was in agreement with supplier quantity.
Regarding quality, the samples were forwarded to Mumbai laboratory.
Lab tests confirmed New Mangalore supplied bunkers were ‘on spec’
Lesson Learnt
Shipboard systems and procedures strictly to be followed. Once bunkers are found to be ‘off spec’, logistic issues arise with respect to employment window, availability, De-Bunkering, Sampling and witnessing the Laboratory tests being crucial when protecting the clients interests. A professional understanding and Co-ordination goes a long way in resolving claims progressively.