Tricks of the Bunker Trade: Pumping / Mixing Slops into Bunkers

by Kaivan H. Chinoy, Petro Inspect / The Bunker Detectives
Thursday August 29, 2013

Though we seldom come across this now, introducing slops and thus contaminants into the fuel delivery will reduce the actual fuel amount and also can create engine problems down the line.

Unfortunately this cannot be detected until the representative fuel samples have been tested by an independent fuel testing facility.

Key Notes:

  • Always witness and collect samples by continuous drip method i.e. the sample to be drawn continuously throughout the bunkering delivery period
  • It should be a practice onboard to isolate the fuel delivered to separate tanks and not to be consumed until such time the fuel testing report gives a clean bill of health.
  • Fuel contamination amongst other things can create problems with the fuel injection system and exhaust valves with costly repairs.
  • Remember whenever in doubt or have concerns always issue a letter of protest.

About Petro Inspect and The Bunker Detectives

Bunker Detectives

Petro Inspect, previous known only as The Bunker Detectives, are a dedicated team who primarily help ship charterers' & bunker brokers deal with bunker quantity disputes (which do not fall under P&I cover for charterers'), and also offer an exclusive service to ship charterers' dealing with 'Bad' Bunker dispute claims, such as the supply of contaminated or off- specification bunkers.

The core services provided under the banner of 'Bunker Detective' are 221B Surveys (aka Bunker Detective Surveys), Bunker Stem Surveys (aka Bunker Quantity Surveys - BQS) and Charter On/Off Hire and Condition Surveys, as well as a bunker fuel concealment detection services.

About Kaivan H. Chinoy

A qualified Mercantile Marine Officer with an MSc Degree in "Technical Management of Ship Operations," prior to founding AVA Marine Kaivan spent over 15 years involved in extensive marine operations including vessel navigation, cargo handling, accident investigations, project cargo risk management, and marine cargo surveying.

To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at editor@shipandbunker.com