Loss Prevention 05 Mar, 2025 Pollution incident during bunkering. Analysis, Findings, and Recommendations. Dmitry Kisil Senior Loss Prevention Officer Incident Overview A container vessel was conducting a routine bunkering operation at a port. The operation involved the transfer of 117 metric tonnes of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) from a bunker barge to the vessel’s designated bunker storage tanks. The Chief Engineer and the 2nd Engineer supervised the operation, assisted by engine ratings. Download PDF At 17:15, the bunker barge was alongside the vessel. Upon completion of the pre-bunkering procedures, the transfer started at 19:30. At approximately 20:10, fuel was observed overflowing from the air vent from one of the bunker tanks. The emergency stop was activated, and the Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) was initiated. Port authorities were notified. It was estimated that 400 litres of VLSFO spilled into the port’s waters. Investigation Findings A detailed investigation into the incident revealed several procedural, operational, and equipment-related shortcomings that contributed to the spill: 1. Procedural Deficiencies Lack of specified maximum bunkering pumping rate and delivery pressure: Neither bunkering checklists nor Safety Management procedures specified these limits. Bunkering checklists deficient: The checklists were not ship-specific and had confusing entries. Improper tank soundings: The Chief Engineer's tank level limit was set at 440 cm, but an overflow was observed at approximately 392 cm, suggesting improper tank soundings. Unspecified frequency of tank soundings during transfer: The frequency of tank soundings required during the transfer was not stipulated in shipboard bunkering procedures. 2. Operational Shortcomings High pumping rate: Unlike during previous bunkering operations, the vessel agreed with the bunker barge to deliver fuel at a rate of 100 MT/hour, which was too high given the vessel’s tank size and venting system. Dela