Ships /vessel Bunkering definition: Bunkering is the supplying of fuel for use by ships including the logistics of loading and distributing the fuel among available shipboard tanks. A person dealing in trade of bunker is called a bunker trader.
Bunkering operation could be arranging in ports and anchorage despond on vessel commercial plan, availibity , rule and regulation of port.
- Pipe-to-ship (PTS) – a terminal installed on a dock supplies fuel to the ship’s tanks
- Ship-to-ship (STS) – fuel is transferred from one specialized ship to another
- Truck-to-ship (TTS) – tanker trucks in the dock are used to load the ship’s tanks
Conducting bunker fuel analysis is essential on-board ships to prevent engine failures, reduce vessel downtime and repairs as well as to ensure marine environment regulatory compliance is being met.
The properties of fuel oil should be known to the shipboard engineer to achieve proper adjustment and operation of centrifuge efficiently whilst managing the ship safely.
Some of these key properties are:
- Density
- Aluminium Silicate Compounds (Catalytic Fines)
- Viscosity
- Water
We examine why these properties are important and how they are managed through our Bunker Fuel Analysis Package below:
Type of fuel
- Low Sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) – this has a reduced Sulphur content and its use helps to comply with stricter environmental regulations to mitigate air pollution.
- High Sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) – this has a higher Sulphur content but is still compliant with more lenient regulations.
- Low Sulphur marine gas oil (LSMGO) – this cleaner-burning alternative has lower Sulphur levels, making it suitable for engines requiring a purer fuel source.
- Main engine oil
- DG OIL
- Cylinder oil
- Various type of Hydraulic oil.
The most cost of vessel running is fuel and oil supply.
Bunkering operation:
There are three key stages to a bunkering operation on a ship.
As per ISM Code to prevent any pollution ship crew to be make sure for safe operation for bunkering and related form and check list to consider and follow-up.
1 - Preparation
This crucial first step helps to ensure that everything is in place for a safe and successful bunkering operation. Careful preparation helps to avoid any oil spills or other accidents which could pose a potential risk to the environment and/or crew. This stage of the process covers all tasks needed to get everything set-up properly, such as:
Checking the bunkering line and recheck the accuracy of line and actual onboard.
Post the bunker drawing in control room and bunker station.
Prepare SOPEP for case of emergency.
Prepare SOPEP CONTACT update list.
Inspecting all bunkering equipment (e.g. hoses and pumps)
Checking the vessel’s storage tanks to make sure they can receive marine fuels
Ensuring all necessary safety measures are in place (e.g. handrails, ropes, lighting)
Making sure all staff involved in the bunkering process are fit for work (i.e. are not overworked)
2 - Performance
The second step in a bunkering operation covers the process of actually bunkering fuel to the ship. This requires close coordination between all involved personnel to ensure they meticulously follow the pre-agreed bunkering plan and comply with any safety measures. This second stage includes tasks such as:
Ensuring the controlled transfer of fuel by following relevant guidelines throughout the full bunkering process, therefore Closely monitoring the bunkering process so that any unexpected issues can be addressed quickly and effectively
Sampling procedure is one the most process during bunker operation to be consider by ships and supplier.
3 - Wrap up
The third and final stage of a bunkering operation refers to wrapping up the process. In other words, making sure the bunkering operation is completed safely and accurately. The wrap up stage of a bunkering operation includes tasks such as:
Conducting a final safety assessment to ensure safety measures were followed at every stage
Checking the ship received the correct type and amount of fuel onboard
Officially bringing the bunkering operation to a close, making sure to keep a detailed record of the process
