What should you do when you have to bunker in a port where there are no ISO spec products?
A common question from client is ” I am going to this port, supplier tell me that there are no ISO spec product, only local spec, should I take the bunker ?”
Normally this questions can be answered in 2 stages. First, is that really necessary to lift bunkers in that port ? can she be waited for next port ?
Second questions is once we identify that bunkers is 100% needed in the port and local spec bunker have to be supplied, here are few things I am particular concern :
- Sulphur Content
Since Jan 2020, all Ocean going vessel must consume low Sulphur fuel oil (0.1%) from previous 3.5% .However in many small bunkering ports or even domestic bunker in certain countries, the Sulphur content is yet to meet international standard. In this case if your vessel take the high Sulphur products and sail to next ports, you might risk violating the regulation and face penalty.
2. What the CP say ?
This one is mostly for the charterer, since most CP already included what specification of bunker is accepted from the owner, fail to follow so might result in quality claim. As I personally checked 20+ local spec and compare to ISO spec, although most parameters are aliged but there are always some minor off or different from ISO Spec. It might not result in machine damage but its still off the ISO spec limit. Worst case sencerio is charterer facing a quality claim from owner but they have no case against supplier as the seller terms clearly stated “local specification”.
Hope the info is helpful, until next time !
