Fuels with high sediments can have a significant impact on the stability of the fuel in ports. High-sulphur residual fuels have been tested in Civitavecchia port with Total Sediment Potential (TSP) results exceeding the ISO8217 specification limit of 0.10% m/m. The samples tested were all high-sulphur residual fuels and TSP results ranged from 0.83% m/m to 1.05% m/m.
- Excessive sludge deposition in tanks and handling systems
- Excessive fuel tank and piping damage
- Excessive maintenance and repair costs
- Operational disruptions
- Environmental damage
The implications of high-sediment fuels on ships’ operations and the environment are a major concern. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to ensure that the fuel supplied is of high quality and adheres to international standards.
| Fuel Type | TSP Result |
|---|---|
| High-Sulphur Residual Fuel | 0.83% m/m to 1.05% m/m |
| Other Fuels | Below 0.10% m/m |
Fuels with high sediments can result in excessive sludge deposition in tanks and throughout the handling and treatment/fuel injection systems. This can lead to a range of problems, including operational disruptions, excessive maintenance and repair costs, and environmental damage. It is crucial to ensure that the fuel supplied is of high quality and adheres to international standards. Suppliers should be advised of the concerns regarding the stability of the fuel in the area and provide additional reassurance that they will adhere to the ISO 8217 requirements for the grade ordered. Ideally, suppliers should provide full TSA, TSE, and TSP sediment test results to demonstrate the quality of the fuel. The collection of bunker samples should also be given additional attention, with all parties witnessing the sampling process and signing witness forms accordingly. Supporting documentation should include records of all the samples considered representative of the fuel as loaded. To mitigate these risks, FOBAS has tested several samples from Civitavecchia with TSP results exceeding the ISO8217 specification limit. Further analysis suggests a possible mix of both asphaltenes and some extraneous dirt. To ensure that ships are not affected by these risks, it is essential to take proactive measures to monitor and manage fuel quality. This includes ensuring that the fuel supplied is of high quality, adhering to international standards, and taking steps to mitigate the risks associated with high-sediment fuels. FOBAS Recommendations
- Suppliers should be advised of the concerns regarding the stability of the fuel in the area.
- Suppliers should provide additional reassurance that they will adhere to the ISO 8217 requirements for the grade ordered.
- Suppliers should provide full TSA, TSE, and TSP sediment test results to demonstrate the quality of the fuel.
- Attention should be given to the collection of bunker samples, with all parties witnessing the sampling process and signing witness forms accordingly.
- Supporting documentation should include records of all the samples considered representative of the fuel as loaded.
Fuel Quality and Stability
Fuels with high sediments can have a significant impact on the stability of the fuel in ports. The implications of high-sediment fuels on ships’ operations and the environment are a major concern. Sources and References
Fuel Oil Bulletin, FOBAS, [Original Article]
**Important Note**
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