.bdn regulation

A Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) is the standard document required by Annex VI of MARPOL, which contains information on fuel oil delivery. It is the responsibility of the fuel oil suppliers to provide the bunker delivery note, which must remain on the vessel, for inspection purposes, for a period of three years after the fuel has been delivered.

BDN information

The following information must be included in the BDN to comply with global standards:

1. Name and IMO number of receiving vessel
2. Name, address and telephone number of fuel oil supplier
3. Port of bunkering
4. Date of commencement of delivery
5. Delivered product name(s)
6. Quantity in metric tons
7. Density at 15 degrees Celsius
8. Sulphur content
9. the seal number of MARPOL sample label must be included for cross-reference purposes

A declaration signed and certified by the fuel oil supplier’s representative that the fuel oil supplied is in conformity with MARPOL Annex VI

Port State Control has the authority to board the vessel to inspect and make copies of the BDN to verify that the fuel complies with global and local regulations.

Fuel Oil Change Over

Some ports have regulations of using gas oil for generators and boilers while the ship is at port (for e.g. European ports). Change over generators and boiler to diesel oil with sulphur content less than 0.1 %.

Boiler

• Shut the steam to the fuel oil heaters of the boiler
• When the temperature drops below 90 degrees, open the diesel oil service tank valve going to the boiler system
• Shut the heavy oil valve for the boiler system slowly and observe the pressure of the supply pump
• Check flame and combustion of the boiler
• Let the heavy oil outlet be kept open and diesel oil outlet is not open for some time
• This is to ensure no heavy oil goes to the diesel oil system
• When the line is flushed with Diesel Oil, open the diesel outlet valve and shut the heavy oil outlet valve

Generators/ Auxiliary Engine

Generators must be changed over from one grade to another while at load as this will help in better flushing of the system. If only one generator is being changed over, keep running another generator for emergency purposes in case something goes wrong.

• Shut the steam to the fuel oil heaters of the boiler
• When the temperature drops below 90 degrees, open the diesel oil service tank valve going to the generator system
• Open the local diesel inlet valve and shut the heavy oil inlet valve simultaneously and slowly, by keeping an eye on the fuel pressure and changing only one generator into diesel with the help of a separate diesel pump. Let the heavy oil outlet be kept open and the diesel oil outlet kept shut till the system is flushed thoroughly
• After some time open the diesel oil outlet and shut the heavy oil outlet
• If the complete system is to be changed into diesel oil, open the diesel oil inlet valve to the generator supply pump simultaneously closing the heavy oil inlet valve
• If the return line is provided to the diesel service tank, open it after some time, simultaneously closing the heavy oil return only after the system is flushed properly

The changeover procedure must include recording of every action and onboard oil quantity as proof of doing the job correctly.

Note: Once the changeover procedure is completed, remember to change the HMI setting of the Cylinder oil lubricator system (Alpha lubrication) or change over the cylinder oil daily tank suitable for low sulfur operation.