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Bunkering is Dangerous: Procedure for

Bunkering Operation on a Ship
By Anish | In: Guidelines | Last Updated on February 4, 2019
Bunkering procedure is one such operation on a ship which has been the reason for several accidents in
the past. Bunkering on a ship can be of fuel oil, sludge, diesel oil, cargo etc. Bunkering of fuel or diesel oil
requires utmost care and alertness to prevent any kind of fire accident or oil spill.
In this article we will learn about the bunkering procedure on a ship and what are the important points that
are to be taken into consideration while bunkering.
What Does The Word “Bunker” Mean?

The word “Bunker” is used extensively in defence forces and is used to define an area to store and
safeguard personnel and supplies (such as fuel, ammunition, food etc.). It was derived from a Scottish
word “Bunk” which means a reserved seat or bench.
1 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
In the shipping industry, the word bunker is used for fuel and lube oils, which are stored on a ship and
used for machinery operation only. If a vessel is carrying marine fuel or lube oil to discharge it to another
port, it will not be called “bunker”. If the vessel or truck is carrying it to transfer to another ship for using in
its machinery, it will be termed as “bunker” and the operation performed to transport the oil is known as
“bunkering”.
Hence, bunker fuel or bunker oil on a vessel are marine fuel/ lube oils which are carried on separate
storage tanks, popularly known as bunker tanks for consumption in ship’s machinery.
Related Read: Practical Tips For Bunkering and Storage of Fuel Oil On Ships
Types of Bunker Fuel:

When the ship receives any kind of oil for using it in its machinery it is called a bunker fuel or bunker oil.
Following are different types of bunkers which are supplied to a commercial or passenger vessel:
– Heavy fuel oil bunker
2 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
– Diesel oil bunker
– Marine Gas oil bunker
– Lube oil bunker
– LNG fuel bunker
3 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Pipe Line Bunkering Operation Check Valve
Ways to receive Marine fuel Bunker

The bunker fuel can be supplied to a cargo ship in different ways. The mode or method may vary
depending upon the grade or type of fuel being delivered to the vessel. There can be different types of
bunkering facilities which supply the required marine fuel or lube oil to the ship. A small barge or ship
carrying bunker fuel can be used to transfer marine fuel oil (such as heavy fuel oil) to the vessel. If the
quantity of oil is less (e.g. lube oil or MGO, LNG etc.), it can be supplied to the vessel using trucks.
Related Read: Important Points to Consider While Providing Marine Bunkering Services
Bunkering Operation Procedure

The bunkering procedure on a ship can be divided into three important stages:
1. Preparation– Preparing for the bunkering operation which will involve the readiness of bunkering
equipment, storage tanks and bunkering safety
2. Perform– Performing the bunkering operation in real time as per the pre-decided procedure and
receiving the marine fuel according to the bunker plan
3. Wrap-up– Wrapping up the bunkering operation with utmost safety and ensuring the correct
amount and quality of bunker fuel has been received onboard from the bunkering facilities (bunker
ship or shore truck etc.)
4 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Before Bunkering Operation

1. The chief engineer should calculate and check which bunker oil tanks are to be filled after he/she
receives confirmation from the shore office about the amount of fuel to be accepted.
2. It might be required to empty some tanks and transfer the oil from one tank to other. This is required to
prevent the mixing of two oils and prevent incompatibility between the previous oil and the new oil.
3. The sounding of other fuel storage tank (not be used in bunkering operation) should also be taken to
keep a record of fuel already present onboard. This will help the ship’s officer in case any valve is leaking,
and the bunker oil is being transferred to the unwanted tank.
Related Reading: Sounding and Different Methods of Taking Sounding on a Ship
4. A meeting should be held between the members that will take part in the bunkering process, and they
should be explained about the following:-
Which tanks are to be filled

Sequence order of tanks to be filled
How much bunker oil is to be taken
Bunkering safety procedures
5 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Emergency procedure in case oil spill occurs

Responsibilities of each officer are explained
5. Sounding is taken before bunkering and record is made
6. A checklist is to be filled so that nothing is missed
7. All deck scuppers and save all trays are plugged
8. An overflow tank is provided in the engine room which is connected to the bunker tank and bunker line.
Ensure the overflow tank is kept empty to transfer excess fuel from the bunker tanks
9. Adequate lighting at the bunker and sounding position are to be provided
10. No smoking notice should be positioned near the bunkering station
Related Reading: Ultimate Guide to Fuel Oil Bunkering Process on Ships
11. Onboard communication, signs, and signals to stop the operation between the people involved in
bunkering are to be understood by all the crew involved in the operation.
12. Red flag/light is presented on the masthead
13. Opposite side bunker manifold valves are closed and appropriately blanked
14. Vessel draught and trim is recorded before bunkering
15. All equipment in SOPEP(shipboard oil pollution emergency plan) locker are checked and kept near
the bunkering station
6 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
16. When bunker ship or barge is secured to the ship side, the person in charge on the barge is also
explained about the bunker plan
17. Bunker supplier’s paperwork is checked for the oil’s grade and the density if they are as per the
specification
18. The pumping rate of the bunker fuel is agreed with the bunker barge/ bunker truck
Related Reading: What is Cappuccino Bunker Effect On Ships?
19. The hose is then connected to the manifold. The condition of the hose must be checked properly by
the ship staff and if it is not satisfactory, same to be notified to the chief engineer
20. Most of the bunker supplier send there crew to connect the bunker oil pipeline coming from bunker
ship/ barge. The ship staff must recheck the flange connection to eliminate the doubt of any leakage
21. Once the connection is made, the chief engineer will ensure all the line valves which will lead the
bunker fuel to the selected bunker tanks are open, keeping the main manifold valve shut
22. Proper communication between the barge and the ship is to be established
7 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Related Reading: What is Ship-Shore Interface Management in the Shipping World?
23. Sign and signals are to be followed as discussed in case of communication during an emergency
24. Most bunkering facilities (ship/ barge/ terminal/ truck etc.) provide an emergency stop switch which
controls the bunkering supply pump. Ensure to check its working before commencing the operation
25. Once all the checks are done, the manifold valve is open for bunkering
Before Bunkering Operation Checklist
8 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
During Bunkering Procedure

1. During the start of the bunker, the pumping rate is kept low; this is done to check that the oil is coming
to the tank to which the valve is opened
2. The ship staff must track the sounding of selected bunkering tank and other tanks which are not
involved in the operation to ensure oil is only going to the selected tank
3. After confirming the oil is coming to the proper tank, the pumping rate is increased as agreed before
4. Generally, only one tank filling is preferred because gauging of more than one tank at a time increases
9 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
the chances of overflow
5. The max allowable to which tank is filled is 90 %, and when the tank level reaches about to maximum
level, the barge is told to pump at low pumping rate to top up the tank, and then the valve of other tank is
opened
6. During bunkering, sounding is taken regularly and the frequency of sounding is more when the tank is
near to full. Many vessels have tank gauges which show tank level in the control room, but this is only to
be relied upon if the system is working correctly.
Related Read: How and Why to Take Manual Sounding On Ship?
7. The temperature of the bunker oil is also to be checked; generally, the barge or supplier will provide the
bunker temperature. Temperature is a critical parameter, especially for bunker fuel such as heavy fuel oil,
and any deviation in the provided temperature value may lead to a shortfall in bunker supply
8. A continuous sample is taken during bunkering with the help of sampling cock at the manifold
9. The crew needs to switch (open and close the valves) the internal storage tanks to accommodate the
quantity of the bunker oil being supplied. Utmost precaution needs to be taken when opening the other
storage tank valve and closing the valve of the tank which is reaching the maximum fill limit.
During Bunkering Operation Checklist
10 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
11 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
After Bunkering Procedure: Wrap-up

1. Once the bunker is finished, it is a general practice to air blow the bunkering supply line for discharging
all the oil trapped in the pipelines. At this stage, ensure all sounding pipe caps are closed and keep a
watch on those storage tank vents which are at its maximum limit.
2. Avoid opening the bunkering supply line connecting between bunker ship and receiving manifold. In
case of any discrepancy, the supplier may agree to compensate the shortfall and may resume bunkering
operation
Related Reading: 13 Malpractices In Bunkering Operations Seafarers Should Be Aware Of
3. Draught and trim of the ship is checked
4. Take sounding of all the tanks bunkered
5. The volume bunkered should be corrected for trim, heel and temperature correction
6. In general, for each degree of increase in temperature the density should be reduced by 0.64 kg/m3.
Related Read: 3 Important Calculations Every Marine Engineer Must Know
7. Four samples are taken during bunkering. One is kept onboard, one for the bunker ship or barge, one
for analysis, one for port state or IMO
8. The chief engineer will sign the bunker receipt (BDN) and the amount of bunker received
9. If there is any shortfall of bunker received the chief engineer can issue a note of protest against the
barge/supplier (in case the deficit is not agreed by the bunker supplier)
10. After everything is settled, the hose connection is removed
11. The sample is sent for laboratory analysis
12. The chief engineer will make the entry of the operation in oil record book along with received BDN
12. The new bunker should not be used until the report from the lab
12 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
After Bunkering Procedure Checklist
13 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Over to you..
Do you think any point related to bunkering operation needs to be added to this procedure?
Let’s know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine
Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not
been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be
accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not
constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.
The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the
permission of the author and Marine Insight.
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Tags: bunkering oil spill precautions procedure sounding
Want to share your tips and advice? Got questions? Visit the community forum to ask questions,
14 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
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About Anish
An ardent sailor and a techie, Anish Wankhede has voyaged on a number of ships as
a marine engineer officer. He loves multitasking, networking, and troubleshooting. He
is the one behind the unique creativity and aesthetics at Marine Insight.
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Comments
zerodtkjoe says
OCTOBER 20, 2010 AT 4:41 PM
Thanks for the info
15 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
lida bestellen says

NOVEMBER 8, 2010 AT 5:11 PM
Man, talk about a fantastic post! I?ve stumbled across your blog a few times within the past,
but I usually forgot to bookmark it. But not again! Thanks for posting the way you do, I
genuinely appreciate seeing someone who actually has a viewpoint and isn?t really just
bringing back up crap like nearly all other writers today. Keep it up!
jayaraj says
JANUARY 13, 2011 AT 1:13 PM
thanking you, I need much more things like this,,
usama anas says

JANUARY 26, 2011 AT 9:01 AM
nice explaination ‘ very helffull, keep it up
thanga krishnan says

JANUARY 29, 2011 AT 2:57 PM
very helpful to carry out our job in a healthy manner……… thank you
zubair says
JANUARY 31, 2011 AT 11:28 PM
16 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
great …..
Nicklas says
FEBRUARY 9, 2011 AT 8:20 PM
Don’t know if this is the right forum but I’ll give it a try.
Any opinion on using Dynamic Positioning instead of mooring lines during bunkering
operations?
mig25 says
I think it will be wise to check the soundings in the barge tanks. It might be helpful in case of
dispute.
Another interesting issue to discuss is about the tricks suppliers can try on us. Sometimes they
are quite motivated to do that.
666shadow666 says
JULY 14, 2011 AT 2:49 AM
hmm mostly bunkering operations have difference this is connected with direct place were
bunkering was done, africa is one case europe is enother, we never should forget that supplier
almost always chittering)))
virendra says
DECEMBER 16, 2011 AT 2:08 PM
17 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
useful info.
uno greebpeace says

it is a dangerous job…
EL MAZOUNI Fouzia says

APRIL 17, 2012 AT 3:02 PM
Good day,
I’ve just subscibed to your site because i found it very intersting and hopeful.
Anish says
APRIL 21, 2012 AT 5:46 PM
Thank You EL Mazouni.
krish kumar says

APRIL 14, 2014 AT 6:20 PM
nice explaination ‘ very helfull sir thank u so much..
Satyakam abhishek says
18 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
JUNE 3, 2014 AT 6:42 AM
Nice sir g, your thinking is good.

I hope u will sure sucess.
Thanks
Yasir Elfadil says

JUNE 29, 2014 AT 5:32 PM
Good Day
Thanks for this information but I hope to inform us about safety during bunker.
Anish says
JULY 1, 2014 AT 12:16 PM
Dear Yasir, Do check the following link for more information on bunkering: http://goo.gl/rKPD1a
Praveen Prasad says

OCTOBER 19, 2014 AT 4:00 PM
thanks. I really thankful to you
19 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Nkosi Vuke says

MARCH 30, 2016 AT 5:28 PM
Thant was helpful to me as a cadet
racid rajahbuayan says

AUGUST 13, 2016 AT 1:03 PM
can you explain to me what is topping up during bunkering?
Anish says
SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 AT 11:49 AM
@Racid: Topping up is actually the rate at which the fuel is supplied to the ship. Since the tank
is about to reach the required sounding, the topping up rate is reduce to avoid any oil spill/
blow from the sounding pipe or tank vent
Rafaek says
OCTOBER 5, 2016 AT 8:08 AM
Can you explain to me why high temperature will result to shortfall
20 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Sergii says
AUGUST 21, 2017 AT 10:26 AM
On wich dokument can I refer to the maximum of FO intake 90%? If i have order to get 96%.
Anish says
AUGUST 21, 2017 AT 1:32 PM
@Sergii.
90% is a just to mention the safest limit to avoid any spill due to list/trim of the ship or air blow
from bunker barge. You can receive up to 98% of the fuel if the operation is properly
monitored. For more guidelines on the bunker, please check RESOLUTION MEPC.122(52)
koachai says
OCTOBER 9, 2017 AT 8:35 AM
are the steps of bunkering universal?
JR says
JANUARY 14, 2018 AT 4:38 AM
What is the min. distance from coast or ships to start bunkering ship to ship?
Jhoniel marzan says

JANUARY 30, 2018 AT 12:48 PM
21 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Thank you it helps a lot.
Anish says
@Jhoniel: Glad the content is helpful
Yaw says
MARCH 17, 2018 AT 11:56 AM
Great insight. I’m very new to the industry and would like to know how I can be more efficient
and reach my highest potential in bunkering sales.
Ajay says
JUNE 6, 2018 AT 12:54 PM
A well briefed topic. Help to mariners.
Syed Zaighum Abbas Naqvi says

JULY 19, 2018 AT 1:36 AM
Appreciated your approach to share marine related knowledge, and i feel these sharing are
upto a considerable standard
22 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
lakshay kansra says

what follow up actions we have to take in regard to disputes in the quality and quantity of
bunker received?
Anish says
DECEMBER 3, 2018 AT 7:17 AM
@Lakshay: You need to issue a NOP as this one is an official document to acknowledge the
dispute.
https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/free-sample-note-of-protest-for-bunkering-disputes/
Shreyas says
FEBRUARY 4, 2019 AT 2:03 AM
Please send line diagram how to take bunker in a ship From a barge
Ricardo lato says

FEBRUARY 14, 2019 AT 10:06 AM
What is bunkering procedure including normal pressure/temperatures
mark joseph bade says

23 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
kindly explain in details bunkering procedure including normal the pressure/temperature
thanks!
Mohamed says
APRIL 22, 2019 AT 4:08 AM
Please can you chose after transferring the oil to ashore station you should complete the
following
1- oil record book or 2-ships log or 3-ships log and oil record book
Omprakash says
MAY 3, 2019 AT 11:46 PM
Which pump are used for bunkering and why ?
Ana Garcia says

MAY 27, 2019 AT 7:12 AM
What distance from shore is allowed to do bunkering? Where can I find that information?
Thank you
24 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Anish says
MAY 30, 2019 AT 1:20 PM
@Ana: There is no distance requirement as bunkering can be done when the ship is ar anchor
or when the ship is standing in a port.
Cam says
JUNE 1, 2019 AT 8:05 AM
Hello Anish, Great post. very helpful.
Where do I find the regulations in regard to Bunkering? Seem to be stuck trying to find any. I
have tried Annex 1 and IMDG code. What am I missing? feel like its right in from of me and i
can’t see it. haha
Anish says
JUNE 4, 2019 AT 7:39 AM
@Cam: Have you seen the BIMCO and IBIA guidelines which follows the industry standards –
http://www.cbi.dk/brochures/IBIA%20BIMCO%20Bunkering%20Guide.pdf
Cam says
JUNE 4, 2019 AT 9:52 AM
Thanks Anish, again very helpful.
25 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
Anish says
JUNE 4, 2019 AT 6:32 PM
@Cam: Glad I can be of help. Cheers.
ungcana.k says
JULY 8, 2019 AT 3:31 PM
Could you explain the detailed about “Procedure for fresh water (drinking water) Bunkering
Operation on a Ship” including from shore, water barge and water boat transfer to ship,
please?
Anish says
JULY 9, 2019 AT 9:14 AM
@Ungcana: We will surely pass on this topic to our editors. Thank you for the suggestion.
nk says
JULY 24, 2019 AT 7:55 AM
great job.
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26 of 30 26-07-2019, 20:42
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Bunkering is Dangerous: Procedure for Bunkering Operation on a Ship https://www.marineinsight.com/guidelines/bunkering-is-dangerous-proc...

Bunkering is Dangerous: Procedure for

What Does The Word “Bunker” Mean?

Types of Bunker Fuel:

– Heavy fuel oil bunker

– Diesel oil bunker

– Marine Gas oil bunker

– Lube oil bunker

– LNG fuel bunker

Pipe Line Bunkering Operation Check Valve

Ways to receive Marine fuel Bunker

Bunkering Operation Procedure

Before Bunkering Operation

Related Reading: Sounding and Different Methods of Taking Sounding on a Ship

Which tanks are to be filled

Emergency procedure in case oil spill occurs

5. Sounding is taken before bunkering and record is made

6. A checklist is to be filled so that nothing is missed

7. All deck scuppers and save all trays are plugged

9. Adequate lighting at the bunker and sounding position are to be provided

10. No smoking notice should be positioned near the bunkering station

Related Reading: Ultimate Guide to Fuel Oil Bunkering Process on Ships

12. Red flag/light is presented on the masthead

14. Vessel draught and trim is recorded before bunkering

Related Reading: What is Cappuccino Bunker Effect On Ships?

Related Reading: What is Ship-Shore Interface Management in the Shipping World?

Before Bunkering Operation Checklist

During Bunkering Procedure

the chances of overflow

Related Read: How and Why to Take Manual Sounding On Ship?

During Bunkering Operation Checklist

After Bunkering Procedure: Wrap-up

Related Reading: 13 Malpractices In Bunkering Operations Seafarers Should Be Aware Of

3. Draught and trim of the ship is checked

4. Take sounding of all the tanks bunkered

Related Read: 3 Important Calculations Every Marine Engineer Must Know

10. After everything is settled, the hose connection is removed

11. The sample is sent for laboratory analysis

After Bunkering Procedure Checklist

Let’s know in the comments below.

Tags: bunkering oil spill precautions procedure sounding

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Thanks for the info

lida bestellen says

thanking you, I need much more things like this,,

usama anas says

nice explaination ‘ very helffull, keep it up

thanga krishnan says

uno greebpeace says

EL MAZOUNI Fouzia says

Thank You EL Mazouni.

krish kumar says

nice explaination ‘ very helfull sir thank u so much..

Satyakam abhishek says

JUNE 3, 2014 AT 6:42 AM

Nice sir g, your thinking is good.

Yasir Elfadil says

Praveen Prasad says

thanks. I really thankful to you

Nkosi Vuke says

Thant was helpful to me as a cadet