FOBAS Alert: High Viscosity Fuels Originating from Houston (USA)

by FOBAS
Friday October 27, 2017

Recently FOBAS tested a number of bunker samples from Houston, ordered as ISO-F-RMG380 grade, for which viscosity significantly exceeded the specified limit of 380 cSt. The Viscosity results of these fuel samples range from 781 to 818 cSt.

The use of high viscosity fuel depends on the ships’ machinery systems capacity to achieve the required temperatures for correct transfer/ injection viscosity. Fuel injection temperature however should not be allowed to rise above 150 deg C.

If your ships are planning to bunker at this port we recommend that suppliers are advised of your concerns regarding the viscosity of the fuel and that they provide you with additional reassurance that they will meet the ISO 8217 requirements for the grade ordered.

Additional attention should be given to the collection of the bunker samples. It should be ensured that all parties have witnessed the sampling process and that the supporting documentation includes records of all the samples considered representative of the fuel as loaded.

If you require any further information about this Bulletin, please contact us at fobas@lr.org or speak to one of our consultants on +44 (0)330 414 1000 (Southampton UK), +44 (0)1642 440991 Redcar (UK), +65 3163 0888 (Singapore), +30 210 4580 932 (Greece).

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