Earlier we learnt about the bunkering and what is means. Now we will study the process of actual bunkering operations and the practical details of the process of bunkering oil. All types of ships needs fuel oil, lub oil etc and hence it is important for everyone to understand the actual process of bunkering so here we go.
The most important aspect of bunkering operation is the "checklists", which forms a part of company's safety management system (SMS) and I.S.M.,eliminating the possibility and negligence of human and other operational errors. The pre-bunkering checklist must be followed in-consultation with the Chief Engineer (C/E), as he is the person-in-charge for the bunkering operation. Before bunkering, ususally it is 4th engineering officer, taking "soundings" of bunker tanks and calculates the volume of fuel oil available in every fuel oil tank of the ship. Then a Bunker-plan is made to plan the distribution of total quantity of bunker fuel oil.
Ordering of Bunker oil:
The ship Managers (superintendents) monitor the performance of a fleet of ships. For eg. On owning a car, we tend to keep a check on its fuel consumption widely called as "mileage". It is the distance travelled by the vehicle for a unit volume of fuel used. In the same way, as the ship consumes humungous quantity of fuel, whose costs are forming the major part of ship's operation, The Managers tend to keep a check on it. This is measured in terms of specific fuel oil consumption of the main propulsion engine.
![automated bunker procurement flowchart2[1]](http://images.brighthub.com/E4/E/E4E42C9D9CF890DE68D7949FDE4FBB4B99B8A382_small.jpg "automated bunker procurement flowchart2[1]")
On knowing the fuel oil consumption for a day & next voyage plan, the quantity of fuel oil required is calculated and compared with the available bunker tank capacity. A requisition is placed through the C/E & Master of the vessel to the Managers. The requisition is processed and evaluated for the quality & quantity of fuel to be supplied for the particular ship. Planning is done for the delivery of bunker at a particular port where the oil is available at a comparitive lesser cost. On taking all these aspects into consideration, the Managers, deliver bunker to the vessel. Upon receiving the bunker, a sample collected during bunkering operation is sent for lab analysis to confirm the delivered oil meets the required standard for the safe & efficient operation of the auxiliary engines & main propulsion engine.
Pre-Bunkering Procedure:
1. State of adjacent waters noticed
2. Vessel properly secured to dock
3. Check suppliers product corresponds to ordered product
4. Agree quantity to be supplied
5. Check valves open
6. Day tanks full and supply valves closed
7. Warning signs in position e.g. No Smoking
8. SOPEP plan available
9. Clean up material in place
10. Oil Boom in place
11. Foam fire extinguisher placed at bunker station
12. Alfa Laval and transfer pumps off
13. Fuel tank supply valves open
14. Agree stop/start signals between vessel and barge/truck
15. Bravo flag flying/red light showing
16. Agree pumping/transfer rate
17. Agree emergency shut down procedure
18. Specification sheet received
19. Check hose and couplings are secure and in good order
20. Fuel nozzle and hose secured to vessel
21. Check barge/truck meters Reading:
22. Check on board meters Reading:
23. Bunker Valve open
24. Unused manifold connections blanked off
25. Master informed
26. Signal pumping to commence
The above checklist has to be completely filled religiously by both the ship & barge personnels. Please move on to the next page by clicking below
Automated Bunker Procurement Flowchart: Calsoft Enterprise Solutions, USA