Ship bunkering is a critical part of maritime operations all over the world. Bunkering refers to refueling ships while at port or at sea. The fuel and oil provided to ships keep them running along with the machinery onboard. Many vessels require refueling while at sea to make the long journey across the ocean. Many workers in maritime jobs are injured during this process as well, as it can be especially dangerous.
The growing threat of fraud also looms over maritime bunkering. Deceptive shipping practices or ship-to-ship transfers can be used to evade sanctions, provide false information about pricing, and many other fraudulent practices. We explore the many risks of maritime bunkering operations, its risks to workers, and the risk of fraud that affects the entire industry.
What Is Ship Bunkering?
During the bunkering process, fuel is supplied to ships to facilitate continued transportation of goods. This is especially common in large transport ships or other vessels that make long sea voyages. The fuel is referred to as the bunker, and a bunkering vessel transports that fuel to another vessel. A person or company that deals in bunker fuel is known as a bunker trader.
Bunkering originated long ago with the use of steamships, which were powered by coal and needed refueling. Now, modern fuels and oils are bunkered to refuel ships in a process that may take place at sea or at port. The largest bunkering port in the world is the Port of Singapore, selling over 51,824,000 tonnes of bunker fuel in 2023.
Types of Bunker Fuels
Three common types of bunker fuel are:
Marine Gas Oil (MGO)
Marine gas oil is considered one of the clean fuel options for refilling ships. This fuel consists solely of distillates, the parts of crude oil that evaporate after fractional distillation. Those components are then condensed through a specific process from gas to liquid form. MGO has a higher density than diesel but is similar.
Unlike other types of bunker fuels, MGO does not require any heating during storage. This makes it ideal for many marine situations. However, MGO is a flammable liquid, meaning it must be handled with extreme care. It is also dangerous to workers and is the cause of many common maritime accidents.
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)
Heavy fuel oil is used by the engine to propel the ship on its journey. It is often mired in controversy, especially when it leaks from ships or storage tanks, as it can do incredible damage to the environment when released. The process to make HFO involves multiple refining processes in which lighter hydrocarbons are removed. The remaining sludge-like residue, which has the consistency of peanut butter, is the HFO.
This fuel has toxins that often affect the crew onboard, causing a range of illnesses and other injuries. While safer fuels exist, HFO is still prevalent. It is approximately 30% cheaper than many of the alternative fuels available on the market.
Liquefied Natural Gas
Bunkering commonly provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) to ships as well. As the name indicates, this fuel is extracted natural gas that has been cooled to the point of liquefaction. The gaseous form is cooled to approximately -260° Fahrenheit (-162° Celsius). The LNG is then stored and transported in refrigerated tanks. On seagoing vessels, it is typically loaded onto double-hulled ships referred to as LNG carriers.
LNG is vaporized back into a gas when it is ready for use. It is then injected into a pipeline system that feeds the engine or machinery that uses it. LNG is non-toxic, odorless, and non-corrosive. However, it is extremely flammable once vaporized back into a gaseous form.
Methods of Receiving Marine Fuel
The maritime and shipping industry is innovative and constantly finds new ways to supply fuel to ships. Two primary methods continue to be most prevalent.
Truck-to-Ship Transfers
Trucks do most of the heavy lifting when ships are supplied fuel by land. A tank truck or other large tractor-trailer supplies the fuel from an originating source, such as a refinery. Many of the large tanker trucks on the highway may be filled with ship fuel on their way to a port.
This method also utilizes several small to medium-sized vessels that may stay at port for an extended time. Trucks do not require specific infrastructure to maintain, making this an economical choice in many situations. However, the process can be limited by the trucks’ fuel capacity or slower flow rates.
Ship-to-Ship Transfers
Much of the world’s bunkering processes occur offshore. There are many types of bunker fuels, and the types of ships necessary vary depending on the fuel. The vessel needed for the process will also depend on the length of the voyage, the type of seas, and several other factors.
A ship-to-ship transfer involves one bunkering vessel directly refueling another. The bunker barge transfers fuel from itself to the receiving ship. This provides several advantages, such as:
- The ability to refuel long-haul shipping vessels without stopping at a port
- Flexibility in timing and shipping lanes
- The ship will not have to pay port fees
- No queuing or berth clearance
Comprehensive Bunkering Procedure
Workers and bunker vessels must follow proper bunkering procedures to avoid serious accidents and injuries. First, they should utilize a pre-bunkering checklist to prepare for the process. This involves equipment inspections, bunker tank inspections, and following safety measures so the process is ready to begin. This will include checking safety equipment, lighting, weather conditions, and much more.
Second, workers must follow the proper steps during the bunkering process. It requires precise management of the equipment and adherence to safety protocols. During the transfer process, managers and staff must monitor the transfer for any unforeseen issues. If all goes smoothly, everyone can move on to the last step.
Responsible companies use a post-bunkering checklist. During this stage, workers wrap up and perform a final safety assessment. They confirm that all safety measures were followed, that the ship received the correct amount of fuel, and that all documentation is properly completed.
Risks Associated With Bunkering Operations
Bunkering a ship requires careful attention to detail, following all safety measures, and ensuring no party tries to defraud the other. This process can quickly lead to catastrophic physical injuries or even death if performed incorrectly.
Common Deceptive Practices in Bunkering
Deceptive practices plague the bunkering industry. They affect the safety and economic stability of maritime shipping. Common deceptive practices include:
- Use of ship-to-ship transfers to evade sanctions
- Giving false information about the type, grade, or price of bunkered fuel
- Diluting fuel in bunker tanks with lower-grade and cheaper substances
- Mixing different grades of fuel
- Falsifying documents to conceal the true quality, quantity, or origin of bunkered fuel
Environmental Risks
Bunkering accidents put the environment at extreme risk. Spills from wrecked ships or leaking storage pollute the ocean, the harbor, or another area in which the bunker barge is located. Oil and fuel can kill local wildlife, plants, and other critical components of the local ecosystem.
Different types of bunkers impact the ecosystem differently, and some disasters have long-reaching impacts. Damage to coral reefs, for example, can alter the lifecycle of an area for decades to come, if not permanently.
Regulations Governing LNG Bunkering
International and federal regulations are designed to ensure liquid natural gas (LNG) bunkering is safe. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines is a United Nations agency tasked with security and safety related to LNG and other bunkering. It sets global standards and regulatory frameworks to ensure rules are fair and effective. These rules also help protect the environment.
U.S. regulations also govern LNG bunkering, and federal and maritime laws cover many of the transportation and safety requirements in the industry. Even the United States Coast Guard enforces federal regulations, especially in cases of ship-to-ship transfers.
Safety Standards in Ship Bunkering
International, federal, and state laws impose many safety standards for ship bunkering. In addition, companies set their own safety rules. Common safety standards include:
- Securing all connections between the bunker ship and the receiving vessel
- Monitoring the flow rate of fuel transfer
- Ensuring proper ventilation to prevent suffocation and pressure buildup
- Conducting regular testing of equipment
- Ensuring all personnel have personal safety equipment
- Setting communication procedures
- Carrying sufficient insurance to cover accidents or injuries
Many companies fail to meet appropriate safety standards or purposefully ignore them to focus on profit. When this happens, a boat accident lawyer understands how to help injured victims fight for the compensation they deserve.
Ship Bunkering FAQs
What is ship bunkering?
Ship bunkering is the process of transferring fuel to a ship to refuel it. This may happen on land or at sea.
What are the three types of bunkering?
The three primary types of bunkering are pipe-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and truck-to-ship.
Why is ship fuel called bunker?
In the days of steamships, coal was the primary fuel. The coal was stored in bunkers, and the term “bunker” stuck.
How long does it take to bunker a ship?
Bunkering can take anywhere from 15 to 24 hours depending on several factors, including the refueling method, equipment, vessel type, and fuel type.
Ensuring Safe and Fraud-Free Bunkering Operations
Despite its necessity, there are many risks associated with bunkering. Workers may be injured or the environment damaged. Fraud and deceptive practices continue to impact business and operations. Regulations and enforcement should encourage safe and fraud-free bunkering, but they are not always effective.
If you were hurt in a bunkering accident or your legal rights were impacted, the attorneys at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers are ready to help. We have a comprehensive maritime law practice and have secured millions in compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.