Fuel oil sampling has become even more important since the introduction of IMO's MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI regulations
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Fuel Oil Sampling - Bunkering & Delivery Procedures
One of the most important aspects of any bunkering operation is the fuel oil sampling process, by which a representative sample of the fuel delivery is obtained.
Representative fuel oil samples are required for both regulatory and commercial purposes. Crucial aspects of the sampling process include taking the sample, the sampling location and witnessing the process.
The importance of a suitably drawn and witnessed representative fuel oil sample cannot be over-emphasised. It forms the basis of all discussion, debate or dispute resolution relating to the bunkering. The commonest and most economic means of obtaining a representative sample is by using a drip type sampler.
In back to back tests performed by a major fuel testing laboratory over an extended period, samples obtained by drip samplers were identical to those from more expensive automatic fuel samplers. There seems to be no justification for the very considerable extra expense involved in automatic samplers, manufacturers’ claims not withstanding.
Latest Regulations - Actions for compliance with IMO MARPOL 73/78 ANNEX VI
With effect from 19th May 2005, IMO MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI on the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships becomes mandatory for all internationally trading vessels above 400 GT. Under the terms of Annex VI, exhaust emission controls will apply to oxides of nitrogen (NOx) – Regulation 13 and oxides of sulphur (SOx) – Regulation 14.
Furthermore, there are requirements, partly related to the SOx controls, which cover certain aspects related to fuel oil quality and supply arrangements – Regulation 18. Annex VI contains provisions allowing for special “SOx Emission Control Areas” (SECA’s) to be established with more stringent controls on sulphur emissions.
In these areas, the sulphur content of fuel oil used onboard ships must not exceed 1.5% m/m, alternatively, ships must fit an exhaust gas cleaning system or use other technological methods to limit SOx emissions.
The Baltic Sea is already designated as a SECA within the protocol and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has approved an amendment to also include the North Sea as a SECA when Annex VI enters force. Other areas such as the Mediterranean, US coastal waters and waters west of the British Isles and Continental Europe may also be expected to be proposed as SECA’s in the future.
For vessels operating within these SECA’s, owners and operators must ensure that the necessary International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPPC) exists and that compliance can be demonstrated at the various scheduled and unscheduled survey stages. Any lack of certification or failure to be able to demonstrate the necessary compliance will effectively bar a ship from international trade.
To this end, bunker collection, sampling and storage guidelines have been defined by MEPC.96(47), which states that a retained sample of all fuel oils as supplied, is drawn at the ships receiving manifold, sealed, signed on behalf of the supplier and the Master or ship’s officer in charge of the bunkering operation and that the retained sample is to be kept under the ship’s control until the subject fuel has been substantially consumed, but in any case for at least 12 months from the date of delivery.
It is important to remember that such samples are to be used solely for determination of compliance with Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78 and cannot be used for any other commercial purposes.
Fuel Oil Sampling Equipment
Kittiwake provide a range of test equipment suitable for compliance with IMO MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI including:
Bunker Sampling Training Resources
For further technical information on Fuel Oil Delivery and Bunker Sampling, see our Training Resources section to order your FREE Training CD and for links to other Bunker Sampling Training Resources.
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