Loss Prevention Advice
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A guidance regarding the different types of bunker fuel sampling and their role in verifying compliance with the 0.50% sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI.
According to Britannia, with the global sulphur content of bunker fuel under MARPOL Annex VI capped at 0.50% m/m, it is important for ships to understand the different types of bunker fuel sampling and how they relate to compliance verification. Britannia outlines the distinctions between MARPOL-defined sampling methods and independent sampling carried out by shipowners and their contractual counterparties.
Why does this matter?
Since the 2020 Sulphur Cap came into force, there have been various interpretations of how sulphur compliance is determined, especially when independent test results obtained by shipowners show results close to or slightly above 0.50%. Suppliers often cite ISO 4259 and its reproducibility limits to claim compliance, but this does not always align with enforcement realities under MARPOL.
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A guidance on hot work procedures aboard ships, specifically focusing on how to safely plan, execute and monitor hot work activities.
Repairs, modifications, additional securing points, maintenance etc. are all reasons hot work may be required. Whenever hot work is considered as being a possible solution to an issue, a general assessment should be conducted to decide how risk of an incident can be lowered.
Amongst the general considerations are:
- Can cold work repairs be conducted instead?
- Can a suitable temporary repair be conducted, or procedure implemented that will be sufficient until the ship is in a more suitable location or condition, for example the next scheduled dry dock?
- Can the hot work be done by ship’s crew with the equipment available on board, or are specialist skills and facilities required?
- Is the hot work required on an item or area that is covered by the ship’s classification society?
- Will the ship be required to deviate from its current voyage?
- Can hot work be done with cargo onboard?
- If hot work is required on a piece of equipment or fitting, can the equipment/fitting be feasibly moved to the designated hot work location (often the machinery space workshop) or a less hazardous area?
- Is the hot work required in a hazardous location, for example within a confined/enclosed space or involving work at height?
- Conducting a high-level assessment will determine the next course of action and clarify the options that are available.
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A guidance and highlighted best practices and lessons learned to help avoid costly incidents and keep the vessel, crew and cargo safe regarding LNG operations.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) operations require a high level of technical expertise, the implementation of rigorous safety protocol.
Before arriving at any LNG terminal, complete the following checks for safe operations and cargo transfer:
- Secure mooring arrangements
- Safe and accessible ship boarding
- Proper gangway alignment and suitable landing area
- Loading arm compatibility
- Reliable ship-to-shore communication systems, including radio and data links
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A case study where a routine towing and double-banking operation resulted in a serious crew injury after a seafarer became caught in the bight of a mooring line.
A tug towing a barge (Barge A) was proceeding to a river port when the Master was notified that a berth was not available due to the delayed departure of another vessel. The Master was instructed to ‘double-bank’ the barge to another barge (Barge B), which was already moored to a buoy in the river and await an available berth. Weather conditions were good, with a gentle breeze and calm sea conditions. Visibility was good and the tow was taking place during daylight hours.
