.bunkering regulation

SS600

 SS600 is Singapore standard code of practice for bunkering. Every ship for bunkering operation must adhere to SS600, to minimize the bunker disputes.

SS600 includes

1.  Pre-bunker meeting, documentation, procedures during bunkering which covers before, during and after delivery of bunker
2.  Chief engineer to check and ensure bunker operation in accordance with SS600 procedure.

Steps

There are 4 main steps to follow

1. open tank gauging,
2. delivery procedure,
3. closing tank gauging and
4. verification of quantity.

Opening tank gauging:

1. Check the barge stock movement log book, check for quantity before barge measurement and bunkering
2.  Witness and confirm opening tank gauging and temperature readings of all cargo tank
3.  Bunkering operation only starts after CE confirms requirements are completed and hose properly connected

Delivery procedure:

1.  Ensure the pumping rate is followed by barge within safe operating practice
2.  Line clearing method to address during pre-meeting only and to be carried out at the end of pumping operation
3.  Post-delivery check and documentation commence
4. Sounding must be taken on receiving vessel before stripping of bunker barge

Closing tank gauging:

1.  Witness and confirm closing tank gauging and cargo temperature reading of all cargo tank

Verification of quantity:

1. Complete and sign tank gauging form.
2. Calculate the delivered quantity.
3. Bunker delivered must be correct
4. Complete, sign and stamp bunker delivery note
5. Sample 4 bottles of 400ml– Ships retention for one year as MARPOL sample, for fuel il analysis, for bunker barge and bunker surveyor

 TR48:

Technical Reference 48 is the introduction of mass flow meter which provides good practice in measurement of bunker fuel delivered to minimize bunker dispute

 Benefits of MFM for bunkering:

 Implemented since 2017,

• It has built trust in the local bunkering sector,
• ensuring the right quantity of fuels are transferred between bunker suppliers and buyers.
• improved bunkering operational efficiency, and
• reinforced Singapore’s position as a trusted hub for quality, quantity, and dispute resolution.

Important checks

Ø Flow rate; agreed pumping rate not lower than stated in MFM system

Ø Inspect seals before and after delivery

 Ø Set resettable totalizer to ZERO before operation

 Ø Witness and record the opening meter reading.

Ø Match the delivered quantity with bunker delivery notes

SS 648:

The Singapore Standard SS 648: 2019 is a Code of Practice for Bunker Mass Flow Metering was launched on 7 November 2019(“SS 648: 2019”). It is a revision of TR 48: 2015 –A Technical Reference for Bunker Mass Flow Metering which was implemented on 1 June 2016 by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries via the mass flow metering (MFM) system to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore.

Development

TR 48: 2015 was reviewed and developed into SS 648: 2019, taking into account the operational and technical experience gained by the bunkering industry on the use of the MFM. Under the coordination of the Singapore Standards Council, the review was jointly conducted by MPA, Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), bunker suppliers, bunker craft operators, bunker surveying firms, meter vendors, National Metrology Centre and Enterprise Singapore’s Weights and Measures Office.

Transition from TR 48: 2015 to SS 648: 2019

Implementation of TR 48. Enhancements in SS 648 include

(1) An expanded scope to include distillate fuels and bunkers that meet IMO regulations.

(2) The new requirements for multi meter installation which will offer the delivery of a wider range of parcel sizes and different grades of bunker fuels through a multi meter system.

(3) The enhancement of zero verification procedure with better understanding the causes of changes to zero offset and verification system.

(4) The strengthened role of bunker surveyors

Coriolis mass flow meter –

Coriolis mass flow meters are composed of one or more vibrating tubes that are usually bent. When The fluid passes through the vibrating tube and gets acceleration towards the point where the vibration is maximum and decelerates as it leaves this point. This results in a twisting motion in the tubes which is directly proportional to the fluid’s mass flow.

QUANTITY DISPUTE:

.bunker dispute .dispute .quantity dispute

Cargo officer shall do the following-

1. Invite CE and Bunker Surveyor to re-witness meter totalizer readings.

 2. Provide assistance for CE & Bunker Surveyor to check documentation, seals and piping system.

 3. Raise a Note of Protest if dispute remains unresolved.

Chief Engineer (CE) shall do the following-

 1. Re-witness meter totalizer readings.

 2. Re-check and verify all seals in seal verification report are intact.

3. Confirm that no modification from piping diagram was made.

4. Obtain and examine relevant pages of bunker tanker meter totalizer log.

5. Obtain and examine relevant certificates and documents

6. Raise a Note of Protest if dispute remains unresolved.

Bunker Surveyor (BS) shall do the following

1. Assist CE in the dispute management procedure.

2. Witness all procedures.

3. Record all relevant details, findings and observations in a statement of fact

Action

1. REPORT TO RELEVANT PARTY WITHIN 14 DAYs
2. Lodge a complaint in writing to bunker supplier within 30 days after bunker delivery.
3. Send a copy of the complaint and BDN to the “Executive Director, Singapore Shipping Association” AND “Bunker Services Department, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore”.