Bunker Flash

FINDINGS & INSIGHTS

Maritec Pte Ltd has tested five samples representing VLSFO deliveries in Singapore with flashpoint as low as 50°C for the period of 12^th June 2022 to 24^th June 2022 from various suppliers.

SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part B, Reg. 4. Clause 2.1.1 states

“The following limitations shall apply to the use of oil as fuel, except as otherwise permitted by this paragraph, no oil fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C shall be used.”

If your vessel has bunkered a low flashpoint fuel it is prudent to observe the below precautions.

• Flame screens on tank vents should be maintained in good condition and there should be no sources of ignition in the vicinity of the vents. This will assist in safe natural ventilation of volatile components in the fuel.
• No Smoking, No naked flame and No hot work must be allowed at any areas near to tank air vents.
• Send additional tank(s) samples upon arrival in port to check the fuel properties and flash point results especially if there has been co-mingling of fuels in bunker tanks
• If the vessel is out at sea it may be possible to obtain dispensation from your Flag State Administration up to next arrival port
• Put the supplier on notice promptly and notify your P&I club.

ISO 4259 interpretation for tested flashpoint temperature is not taken into consideration here as the safety of onboard crew and vessel is of higher precedence.

This document however does not reflect on the overall quality of fuel being supplied at Singapore, if you intend to bunker at this region please request for a Certificate of Quality prior to loading.

Maritec Pte Ltd can assist you in with further information on quality of bunkers tested in different regions. If you require any other information or assistance do not hesitate to contact us

DOWNLOAD BUNKER_FLASH_BF202207-02

FINDINGS & INSIGHTS

Updates to detection levels and effects on machinery encountered

Our investigation thus far confirmed high concentration level with an average value of 3419ppm on 1,2-Dichloroethane (CAS no.107-06-2) as the main compound detected. This compound in its pure form is considered hazardous to personnel by OSHA causing irritation to eyes, respiratory system and skin depending on the exposure concertation and time. As with any marine fuel it is advised to ensure sufficient ventilation in the machinery spaces, particularly in the fuel treatment room. It is also advised to minimize personnel exposure to fuel tank vent heads as these chlorinated organic compounds have low boiling points that can be below the heating temperature of settling and service tanks.

It is difficult to determine a safe concentration level suitable for marine diesel engine usage or the baseline wherein machinery problems may occur.  Due to the severity of the Machinery problems faced, we urge vessel operators to continue pre-emptively testing the fuels bunkered in the region by accredited test methods to detect these contaminants assessing the risk each bunker stem has on the vessel machinery.

It should be further noted that the compounds in question are not listed in the component table of the test method ASTM D7845-20 comprising of 29 commonly detected compounds and therefore can be missed by the quality control process in the supply side.

Maritec offers ASTM D7845-20 GCMS analysis & in addition extra 22 compounds calibrated with external standards for accurate quantification which includes organic chlorides.

The percentage of High Sulphur fuels detected with Chlorinated Organic Compounds by CTI-Maritec in Singapore bunker stems in 2022 is given below, a decreasing trend in the detection is observed for April 2022. Nevertheless, CTI-Maritec advises vessel owners to be vigilant and continue to pre-emptively test their fuel samples obtained from the receiving manifold.

Recommendation by CTI-Maritec:

1. Obtain quality assurance and test proof from suppliers on the absence of chlorinated organic compounds in the intended stem prior bunker delivery (This will require testing beyond the scope of standard ASTM D7845-20 test method)
2. Plan your bunkers well in advance to keep the incoming fuel segregated and reduce the risk of comingling.
3. Ensure sampling procedure during bunkering is witnessed by both supplier and receiver and sample bottles are counter-sealed and same recorded in the Bunker Delivery Note.
4. Pre-emptively test vessel manifold samples by accredited GCMS test methods capable of identifying the chlorinated organic compounds – preferably quantitative methods to identify the concertation levels of the detected compounds.
5. Pre-emptively conduct stability analysis outside the scope of ISO8217 involving the referee TSP method.
   1. It is noted that the recent samples with the high levels of chlorinated organic compounds tested poorly for fuel stability when subject to Manual P-value by SMS1600 test method.
6. Be aware of your bunker supply contract and the notification time limit stipulated to flag potentially problematic fuels to the supplier.
7. Where chlorinated organic compounds have been detected, gather sufficient evidence to support further investigation. Proceed to conduct joint analysis in agreement with the supplier by an independent laboratory capable of detecting the compounds to determine the compliance with ISO8217 clause 5 – General Requirements.

This document however does not reflect on the overall quality of the fuel being supplied in Singapore. If you intend to bunker at this region, CTI-Maritec can assist you with further information of the bunker quality in the region.

If you require any other information or assistance do not hesitate to contact us

DOWNLOAD BUNKER_FLASH