Introduction to Bunker Spills

A “bunker spill” refers to the accidental release or discharge of fuel, typically heavy oil or diesel, from a vessel’s storage tanks, also known as bunkers. This term is commonly associated with maritime incidents, where the fuel used to power ships (bunkers) is unintentionally released into the marine environment. Bunker spills can result in environmental pollution, causing harm to ecosystems, marine life, and coastlines. The prevention and proper management of bunker spills are critical to safeguarding the environment and ensuring maritime safety.

Causes of Bunker Spills

1. Neglecting Overflow Alarms: Overflow tanks are equipped with float alarms that activate when a predetermined level is reached. Positioned relatively low in the tank, these alarms offer sufficient time for engineers to respond. In certain instances, alarms have been activated, but the crew failed to promptly investigate.
2. Absence or Malfunction of Overflow Alarms: There is no regulatory mandate to install alarms in the overflow system. Crew vigilance and vigilant monitoring of overflow tank contents become crucial in such cases. For vessels with such alarms, periodic testing is essential to ensure they provide early warnings when needed.
3. Failure to Monitor Bunker Tank Levels: Relying solely on tank high level and overflow alarms during bunkering is inadequate. Continuous monitoring of tank levels is necessary, especially when nearing full capacity or switching to new tanks. A vigilant engineer must detect and correct any rise in tank levels caused by the inadvertent operation of the wrong valve.
4. Ineffective Watch at the Bunker Station: The bunker station must be manned throughout the operation. This not only facilitates visual monitoring and pollution checks but also serves as a vital means of communication with the supplying vessel or barge.
5. Communication Gaps Between Bunker Barge and Receiving Vessel: Constant communication between personnel on the supplying and receiving vessels is imperative. Immediate communication is crucial in case of problems requiring an emergency stop. Testing communication channels before operations commence is considered good practice.
6. Non-Adherence to Procedures or the Bunker Checklist: A vessel’s bunker checklist may be extensive, leading to a temptation to bypass certain instructions for expediency. However, overlooking these procedures can have significant consequences. Shipowners should ensure that checklists and supporting policies are sensible and practical, emphasizing the crew’s understanding of their importance.
7. Supplier Exceeding Maximum Pressure or Flow Rate: Agreement on a maximum transfer rate and pumping pressure between the supplying and receiving vessels is essential before bunkering begins. Instances have occurred where suppliers attempted to surpass these limits to expedite transfers, resulting in overflow.
8. Defects in Bunker Piping or Tanks: Spills less commonly stem from defects in bunker piping or tanks. Poorly maintained or neglected pipework, fittings, and vents in the bunker system can fail during service. A sensible and robust planned maintenance program is crucial to prevent the bunker system from deteriorating into a hazardous condition.

Effects of Bunker Spills

1. Environmental Impact:

Marine Ecosystem: Bunker spills have the potential to contaminate marine ecosystems, with oil spills, in particular, posing a threat to fish, birds, and other wildlife. Birds’ feathers and mammals’ fur may be coated with oil, leading to diminished insulation and buoyancy.

Water Quality: The substances released during spills can degrade water quality, impacting the health of aquatic organisms and disrupting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Long-Term Consequences: Depending on the spill’s magnitude, long-term repercussions may include habitat damage, changes in migration patterns, and the persistence of pollutants in the environment.

1. Economic Impact:

Environmental Cleanup Costs: Immediate economic consequences involve expenses related to cleaning up spilled fuel or oil. This encompasses deploying response teams, utilizing specialized equipment, and implementing measures to mitigate environmental harm.

Impact on Fisheries: Bunker spills can harm marine ecosystems, resulting in damage to fisheries and related industries. Economic losses in these sectors can be significant due to disrupted fishing activities and potential enduring effects on aquatic life.

Tourism and Recreation: Coastal areas affected by bunker spills may witness declines in tourism and recreational activities. The negative perception of polluted beaches and water can discourage tourists, leading to losses for local businesses reliant on tourism.

Property Damage: Bunker spills can inflict damage on coastal infrastructure, including harbors and docks. The costs of repairing and reconstructing these facilities contribute to the overall economic impact.

Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Companies responsible for bunker spills may face legal actions and fines. Compliance with environmental regulations and compensating affected parties can impose financial burdens on the responsible entities.

Insurance Costs: Shipping companies involved in bunker spills may encounter heightened insurance premiums or challenges in obtaining coverage, adding to their operational expenses.

Impact on Global Trade: Bunker spills can disrupt shipping routes and ports, potentially influencing global trade flows. Shipping delays and increased regulatory scrutiny may have broader economic implications.

1. Social Impact:

Health Concerns: Exposure to spilled substances can pose health risks to individuals in affected areas. Inhaling fumes or direct contact with contaminated water and seafood may result in health issues.

Community Disruption: Communities dependent on marine resources may experience social disruptions due to the loss of livelihoods and the necessity for cleanup efforts.

1. Response and Cleanup:

Environmental Remediation: Cleanup initiatives involve removing spilled substances from affected areas. However, full restoration of ecosystems may require years or even decades.

Regulatory Measures: Bunker spills often prompt regulatory responses and may lead to legal consequences for responsible parties. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and national authorities establish guidelines for prevention, response, and compensation related to oil spills.

Procedures to follow to Avoid Bunker Spills

1. Check Compatibility: Before bunkering, verify the compatibility of the new fuel oil with the existing fuel in your tank, ensuring adherence to density, viscosity, flash point, sulfur content, and other specifications.
2. Prepare Equipment: Inspect hoses, couplings, valves, pumps, gauges, and vents for leaks or defects. Ensure emergency devices, spill containment kits, fire extinguishers, and communication devices are operational. Assign roles and responsibilities to crew members, conducting a briefing on procedures, signals, and safety measures.
3. Follow Procedures: Adhere to agreed-upon procedures with the supplier or facility, including checking fuel oil identity and quantity, monitoring transfer rate and pressure. Follow the IMO’s three-stage bunkering method (Preparation, Perform and Wrap-up), adjusting flow rate and pressure accordingly.
4. Record Data: Record bunkering data, including date, time, location, quantity, quality, and temperature of the fuel oil, along with names and signatures of involved parties. Update the oil record book and bunker log book, reporting any incidents to authorities and taking corrective actions.
5. Manage Waste: Properly dispose of used hoses, filters, rags, and containers, adhering to local regulations. Avoid discharging oily water or sludge into the sea, use appropriate facilities for treatment or storage, and conduct regular tank and engine inspections to prevent leaks or malfunctions.

Prevention Measures

1. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering strictly to international and regional regulations governing bunkering and environmental protection is essential in preventing spills.
2. Training and Awareness: Implementing comprehensive training programs for ship crew members, with a focus on proper bunkering procedures and spill response, can effectively minimize the risk of accidents.
3. Routine Maintenance: Conducting regular inspections, maintenance, and testing of equipment, including valves, pipes, and storage systems, helps identify and address potential issues proactively, preventing spills.
4. Weather Monitoring: Monitoring and heeding weather forecasts enables vessels to avoid adverse conditions that could contribute to accidents.
5. Technology Integration: Implementing advanced technologies, such as monitoring systems and automated controls, enhances the safety of bunkering operations and reduces the risk of spills.
6. Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Ensuring the routine maintenance of vessels and equipment and conducting regular inspections are crucial for promptly identifying and addressing potential issues.
7. Quality Bunkering Procedures: Sourcing bunkers from reputable suppliers to ensure fuel quality and implementing proper bunkering procedures in line with industry best practices.
8. Crew Training: Providing comprehensive training for crew members on bunkering procedures, spill response, and pollution prevention, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
9. Advanced Technologies: Employing advanced technologies such as double-hull tankers and automatic tank gauging systems to minimize the risk of leaks, coupled with the installation of spill detection and alarm systems for early issue identification.
10. Emergency Response Plans: Developing and regularly updating emergency response plans for swift and effective actions in case of spills, complemented by regular drills to ensure the crew is well-prepared for emergency situations.
11. Regulatory Adherence: Staying informed about and complying with international and local regulations governing bunkering operations, with regular reviews and updates to procedures in alignment with changing regulations.
12. Environmental Management Systems (EMS): Implementing an EMS to systematically manage environmental aspects, including bunker spill prevention, and continuously improving processes based on lessons learned from incidents.
13. Communication Protocols: Establishing clear communication protocols between ship and shore personnel during bunkering operations, fostering open communication to promptly address concerns and prevent potential spills.
14. Risk Assessments: Conducting thorough risk assessments before bunkering operations to identify potential hazards and implementing mitigation measures.
15. Reporting and Documentation: Maintaining comprehensive records of bunkering operations, including quantities delivered, suppliers, and procedures followed, and promptly reporting any incidents or near misses to relevant authorities.

Case Study on Bunker Spills

Incident Description: The vessel was scheduled to receive 250 MT of IFO 380 from a supply barge, utilizing a pair of empty top side tanks, each with a full capacity of 200 cubic meters. Company procedures specified that bunker tanks should not exceed 85% capacity, corresponding to a minimum ullage of 55 cm. Delegated to the Third Engineer, the bunkering operation began at 15:20 hours, focusing on the starboard side tank. By 16:30, the ullage was recorded at 51 cm, yet the operation continued. At 16:35, realizing the ullage had dropped to 35 cm, the Third Engineer attempted to divert the bunkers to the port side tank, but the starboard side tank had already overflowed, spilling oil overboard.

Analysis: The incident highlighted a poorly planned bunkering operation, showcasing a serious breach of company SMS procedures. The bunkering checklist was completed remotely by the Chief Engineer, omitting checks due to the absence of the Third Engineer on-site. The Third Engineer’s failure to monitor the tank fill closely and unfamiliarity with the minimum ullage contributed to a loss of control. Inadequate support and lack of ready communication exacerbated the situation.

Overflow occurred from both forward and aft air ventilators. The aft ventilator’s saveall quickly filled, spilling oil onto the main deck. In the forward ventilator, oil escaped due to the absence of the drain plug. Despite plugged scuppers, oil flowed over the deck edge guttering into the sea.

Lessons Learned

1. Strict compliance with SMS procedures is essential for bunkering operations.
2. Bunkering plans require careful consideration by the chief engineer and collaboration with the bunkering team.
3. Checklists should be diligently completed on-site, avoiding a mere “tick box exercise.”
4. Bunkering necessitates teamwork and effective communication with both ship and barge personnel.
5. The effectiveness of a saveall is compromised if drain plugs are not fitted.

Conclusion

The term “bunker spill” encompasses unintentional fuel releases from a vessel’s storage tanks, posing significant environmental threats. Preventive measures, including regulatory compliance, training, maintenance, and technology integration, are crucial to minimizing spill risks. Understanding spill causes, such as neglecting alarms and communication gaps, emphasizes the importance of vigilance. The broad effects on ecosystems, economies, and societies underscore the urgency of responsible bunkering practices.

– Kahan Sheth