Bunkering operations are pivotal in maritime logistics and present distinct risks and challenges. Each bunker operation is to be regarded as a unique event which possesses its own individual risks. Therefore, shipowners must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of every bunker operation as part of their Safety Management System (SMS) before starting.
Disputes arising from bunker quality are multifaceted, often hindered by insufficient evidence including representative samples and fuel analysis reports. The ISO 8217 specification may not adequately detect fuels with unusual compositions or contaminants until issues arise during usage. Possible issues may include, but are not limited to, blockage of fuel filters, overloading of purifiers, sticking of fuel injection pumps, broken piston rings, and ultimately, engine shutdowns.
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