Bunker Ship Operations

By Ahmed Abd el wahab

Merchant shipping remains the largest carrier of freight throughout recorded history due to the economic advantages involved. Optimum management of the global propulsion power may result in large cut down of marine fuel grades, which will in turn benefit environment and the economics of the shipping community.

Although, water transport is still the most efficient mode (small ratio of CO2 per cargo ton per mile) the aim is for vessel's further energy efficiency optimization, bunker minimization and in turn reduction of CO2, NOx, SOx. An energy efficiency management scheme cannot be sustained unless a meaningful and practical mode of monitoring is applied.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ahmed Abd el wahab
• Release date: Sep 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215985564

Book preview

Introduction:

Merchant shipping remains the largest carrier of freight throughout recorded history due to the economic advantages involved. Optimum management of the global propulsion power may result in large cut down of marine fuel grades, which will in turn benefit environment and the economics of the shipping community.

Although, water transport is still the most efficient mode (small ratio of CO2 per cargo ton per mile) the aim is for vessel's further energy efficiency optimization, bunker minimization and in turn reduction of CO2, NOx, SOx. An energy efficiency management scheme cannot be sustained unless a meaningful and practical mode of monitoring is applied.

General

All bunkering operations should be carefully planned and executed in accordance with MARPOL regulations. Pollution caused when heavy fuel oil is split is particularly damaging and difficult to clean-up.

Personnel involved in the bunkering operation on board should have no other tasks and should remain at their workstations during topping-off. This is particularly important when bunkers are being loaded concurrent with cargo operations, in order to avoid conflicts of interest for operational personnel. Spillages often occur when staffs are distracted by another task.

Definitions

"Bunker oil": Fuel oils and other types of oil products to be used for the operation of the vessel to which the oil is transferred.

"Receiving vessel": The vessel that receives bunker oil.

"Bunker vessel": An oil tanker (including a tanker barge) that is equipped to deliver bunker oil to a receiving vessel.

"Bunkering or Bunker operations": The planning and actual safe transfer of bunker oil from a bunker vessel to another vessel.

"Bunkering checklist": The bunkering checklist as referred to in the latest edition of International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers & Terminals (ISGOTT).

"Bunker Suppliers "Companies that supply with bunker oil vessels

Cargo Transfer: The transfer between two ships of a substance consisting wholly or mainly of oil which is transported by either or both of the ships for reward, but does not include a bunkering operation.

Ship’s Representative: The Ship’s Officer responsible for receiving bunkers and documentation

SOPEP: Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan.

Deadweight: The weight of cargo, fuel, water, crew and effects. It equals in value the displacement less the lightship weight for the ship. Deadweight mass (tonne) is usually used for ship design purposes.

Port side: Left hand side of ship when looking forward.

Starboard side: Right hand side of ship when looking forward.

Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). A statutory regulation of IMO dealing with the safety of life at sea.

Stability: Stability is a measure of what happens when a ship is moved away from a position of equilibrium. If, after the disturbance is removed, it tends to return to its original position it is said to have positive stability. If it remains in the disturbed position it is said to have neutral stability. If the movement increases it is said to have negative stability.

General Requirements:

All bunkering operations must be carried out in accordance with the latest edition of ISGOTT and the additional information provided in these Practices and Procedures document.

The Master of every vessel engaged in bunkering operations shall appoint an officer to be in charge of bunkering operations who is fluent in English. English is the language to be used during all aspects of the bunkering operation.

The bunkering checklist must be kept on file for at least one year

When bunkering alongside a berth, both receiving vessel and the bunker vessel or road tanker must be fully aware of the specific requirements issued by the terminal operator as applicable.

Notifications:

The bunkering suppliers must advise their bunkering schedule by email at least 24 hours in advance to:

The appropriate terminal operator when bunkering occurs alongside berth.

The master of bunkering vessels (or the driver of the road tanker in the case of land transfer) shall contact via marine VHF providing:

the berth / anchorage and the time that bunkering will commence; and

a verbal report on the completion of requirements

5.1Fuel oil and vapors may:

Ignite

Cause dizziness and headaches

Contain hydrogen sulphide which is highly poisonous

Harm or cause irritation to skin Irritate the mouth and lungs

5.2 Precautions:

Never enter an enclosed space not approved as safe for entry

Stand to windward when opening tank lids or sampling points

Use goggles

Wear suitable gloves

Wear suitable working protective clothing

Change out of any oil-soaked clothing as soon as possible

5.3 Fire Precautions:

Keep all bunker fuel away from naked flames, sparks or other sources of ignition

Keep all bunker fuel away from heated surfaces

Do not smoke on deck during bunkering operations

Do not smoke near fuel tanks, or other locations where fuel vapors may be given off

5.4 Safety and Environmental Protection:

Know and use the appropriate Safety Management System checklists and procedures for bunkering, and if applicable, for Ship-to-Ship operations

Know the ship’s Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) or Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP)

Ship’s oil spill equipment is to be ready and available in accordance with the SOPEP/SMPEP

Ensure