The port of Fujairah is one of the world's largest bunkering sites, but Christian Ott, vice president head of claims for Skuld Singapore, warned members that a series of oil spillage and other pollution incidents have led to fines on both the vessel and bunker supplier, irrespective of where fault may ultimately have been found for the incident. “Fines of US$40,000 or more are not uncommon, but much higher fines can be imposed at the discretion of port authorities,” said Ott.
The recurring feature of the incidents is that they have occurred while vessels were at berth and receiving bunkers from shore side road tankers.
Ott said the majority of spills coincided with the disconnecting of bunker hoses from manifolds. “That would indicate that insufficient care and attention was paid to the concluding phase of the bunkering operation; perhaps carried out in a hurry.”
He said the authorities have been strict, and they have not accepted club LoUs, but insisted on a payment guarantee from the local agent, absent of which meant there would be no sailing clearance granted.
Ott advice is clear: “Members should proceed with caution when conducting bunkering operations and ensure they are properly supervised, and conducted carefully, until full conclusion. Any concerns or issues, should be promptly protested by the Master. In case of serious concern, Masters should not hesitate to either halt operations and / or seek urgent assistance from the club's local correspondents.”
He suggested members may wish to incorporate suitable clauses into their charter parties and supply contracts that clearly define who bears the responsibility for ensuring safe and successful bunkering operations, “and - importantly - who will be responsible for claims and costs in case an incident does occur.”
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
