When Bunkers Backfire: Lessons from a Sludgy Situation at Sea

 ⚠️ When Bunkers Backfire: Lessons from a Sludgy Situation at Sea

💭 Do You Know?

1. Can borderline bunker quality trigger costly operational disruptions even with an “Amber” analysis rating?
2. Are charterers contractually responsible for consequences of fuel‑related issues under a time charter?
3. Could poor sludge handling shorten machinery life and inflate OPEX unexpectedly?

 

📝 Clause Breakdown: Bunker Quality Responsibility Under Time Charter

In a time charter party, charterers procure the fuel while owners bear the consequences of its use. Most modern charter parties include a bunker quality clause, aligned with ISO 8217 and BIMCO’s model clauses, stating:

“The Charterers shall supply bunkers of a quality suitable for burning in the Vessel’s engines and auxiliaries and in compliance with all applicable regulations. The Owners shall have the right to reject bunkers that fail to meet such criteria.”

🔍 Real‑World Implication

A vessel recently experienced sludge so sticky and hard that purifier sludge ports blocked every few hours—despite maintaining correct separation temperatures and viscosities. This forced the crew to:

• Clean purifiers at double the normal frequency
• Reduce desludging intervals dramatically
• Operate at minimum feed rates to avoid filter chokes

These work‑arounds increase engine‑room workload, risk component wear, and threaten voyage schedules.

 

⚠️ Common Pitfalls

• Assuming “Amber” is Acceptable: Amber ratings can mask underlying issues.
• Neglecting Retained Samples: Without proper sampling, retesting and claims lack foundation.
• Delayed Notification: Late reporting hampers timely investigation and recourse.

 

⚙️ Actionable Steps for Stakeholders

🔹 For Owners:

1. Immediate Notification
   Notify charterers as soon as anomalies appear.
2. Sample Management
   Seal and retain MARPOL/commercial bunker samples.
3. Independent Testing
   Commission lab retesting without delay.
4. Impact Documentation
   Log extra work, maintenance, and any operational deviations.

🔹 For Charterers:

1. Acknowledge & Cooperate
   Respond promptly and assist with investigations.
2. Supplier Review
   Vet bunker suppliers and review historical test data.
3. Remedial Supply
   Offer replacement fuel if tests confirm off‑spec quality.

🔹 For Technical Managers:

• Monitor Trends: Track sludge build‑up and purifier performance.
• Adjust Settings: Optimize purifier cycles and engine parameters.
• Maintain Communication: Keep the bridge and engine room aligned on mitigation measures.

 

✅ Conclusion & Call to Action

Borderline bunker supplies are more than a technical nuisance—they’re a contractual risk. Proactive communication, rigorous sampling, and swift corrective action are your best defenses.

➡️ Have you tackled a similar sludge‑related issue?
➡️ What’s your SOP for bunker quality disputes?

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not reference any specific vessel, bunker quantity, or port. Consult applicable regulations and contractual terms for detailed guidance.