EMEA News
"Unusually High" Number of Bunker Spills at UAE's Saqr Port
Saqr Port in the UAE emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah has had "an unusually high number of bunker spills" lately, the West of England P&I club told its members.
The club said the spillage has mainly occurred when ships were disconnecting road tankers' hoses from the vessels' bunkering manifolds.
The local Port Authority imposes fines of AED 10,000 ($2,700) or more for such a spill on both the supplier and receiver regardless of fault in the accident, the club said, and one owner was recently ordered to pay just over $40,000 before the vessel was released.
"Members planning to bunker vessels at Saqr Port are advised to ensure that crewmembers are alerted to the circumstances surrounding the recent spills," the club said.
"When preparing to disconnect bunker lines the crew should check that the supply hose is fully drained prior to disconnection, and they should not rely solely on the supplier's assertions that the hose is ready to be disconnected."
The club also urged members to position drip trays to collect any residue remaining in the supply hose and secure overboard scuppers and gaps in fish plates to avoid any spillage.
"As far as practicable Members should also consider including suitable clauses in the bunker supply contract to protect their interests," the club said.
