Description

Marine Fuels: Preventing Claims and Disputes 

This guide highlights what can go wrong when purchasing, bunkering and using marine fuels and the steps that can be taken to avoid disputes and mitigate their impact. 

It examines each stage of the supply chain, including the production and characteristics of fuel oil, contracts, transfer and handling operations, quantity and quality assessment, onboard storage and environmental compliance. It considers the impact of the 2020 global sulphur cap, with a particular focus on the increasing use of LNG as a marine fuel. 

The guide also discusses collection of evidence relating to quality and quantity disputes and advises on claims management. 

The appendices set out recommended BIMCO clauses, standard letters and no lien provisions. 

 

 

Contents Listing: 

1. INTRODUCTION

Purpose of this guide 

2020 – a new era 

Resolving disputes 

2. PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF MARINE FUELS

Characteristics of crude oils 

Refinery process 

Marine fuel products 

Biofuels 

LNG as a marine fuel 

3. TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MARINE FUELS

Grades 

Quality characteristics 

Standards for marine fuels 

LNG as a marine fuel 

4. PURCHASING MARINE FUELS

Specifying the right fuel 

Delivery contracts 

Confirmation of stem 

Supplier’s standard terms and conditions 

Terms implied by law 

Bunkers supplied by charterer 

LNG as a marine fuel 

5. BUNKERING

Safe handling 

General procedures and standards 

Bunker checklist 

Bunker delivery note 

Letter of protest 

LNG as a marine fuel 

6. QUANTITY MEASUREMENT

Methods of determining quantity 

Mass flow meters 

Bunker surveys 

Fuel foul play 

LNG as a marine fuel 

7. FUEL SAMPLING AND TESTING

Sampling 

Testing 

LNG as a marine fuel 

8. ONBOARD STORAGE AND TREATMENT

Fuel storage and transfer systems 

Fuel treatment systems 

LNG as a marine fuel 

9. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

MARPOL Annex VI 

Regional and national regulations 

Fuel oil non-availability 

Alternative technologies 

Other emission-related pollutants 

LNG as a marine fuel 

10. CLAIMS MANAGEMENT AND COLLECTING EVIDENCE

Action in the event of a quality dispute 

Action in the event of a quantity dispute 

Impact on insurance 

APPENDICES 

Recommended clauses 

Draft letters 

No lien provisions