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  7. 2.13.2.4 Bunker quality - proper sampling
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2.13.2.4 Bunker quality - proper sampling

Gard Guidance Masters

2.13.2.4 BUNKER QUALITY – PROPER SAMPLING

For details please refer to

  • Gard booklet: Bunkers and bunkering – a compilation of Gard bunkers related articles
  • Gard News 174, Off-spec bunkers – some practical cases.

    It cannot be stressed often enough that proper sampling and testing procedures should be carried out before bunkers are taken on board. Sampling must be carried out with the utmost care. The taking of samples should follow the Company’s written procedures and be in compliance with recognised industry standards.

    If the quality of the bunkers taken is not within the required specification, this may have serious consequences not only for the engines but also for the safety of the vessel, crew and cargo. Main engine failures due to bunkers being off-specification may result in casualties with substantial financial consequences such as

  • damage to the vessel’s machinery
  • delay of the vessel caused by
    – testing of the defective bunker
    – possible de-bunkering of off-specification bunkers
    – cleaning of the bunker tanks.