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Introduction
Precautionary Measures
Once bunkering has If it is suspected that air may have If it is thought that compressed
commenced, open the manifold been introduced into the fuel oil, air may be present in the fuel oil,
sampling point at regular board the bunker barge and ask to no reliance should be placed in
intervals placing a clean glass see the line blowing arrangements volumetric or positive
receptacle underneath. Check and the air compressor. If these have displacement flow meters (ie the
the samples for frothing or an recently been in use, the compressor equipment most commonly found
excessive amount of air bubbles. and its connections will be warm, on vessels) as they may be
Bunker Disputes - The Cappuccino Effect
fooled into producing artificially receptacle for the presence of air surveyor to assist the vessel.
high readings. Mass flow rate bubbles. The density of the
meters, such as versions of the samples should also be checked. If a significant discrepancy is found
Coriolis meter, will produce more If bubbles are present and the between the quantity the barge
accurate readings, but such density (allowing for any claims to have delivered and the
devices are not generally fitted to temperature change) is lower vessels own figures, another set of
vessels at present. than the figure declared on the tank soundings should be taken and
Bunker Delivery Note, these may the calculations repeated with all
If air in the fuel oil is found or be indications of the cappuccino parties in attendance. If this again
suspected, the vessel should effect. results in a shortfall:
endeavour to wait for the air to
escape after bunkering has been Detailed records of times, Do not sign the bunker receipt as
completed. The length of time soundings, quantities, presented.
required will depend on the temperatures, densities and other
viscosity and temperature of the key information should be Amend the quantity shown on
fuel oil, as well as the size of the maintained in case they are the bunker receipt to reflect the
entrapped bubbles. The process needed in the event of a dispute. vessels own figures.
will be quicker in tropical waters,
but very small air bubbles in high Where safe and practicable, Inform all interested parties of
viscosity fuels in cold climates photographic and video evidence
may take up to two days to the outcome once the second set
should also be taken for the of soundings have been taken
dissipate before accurate same reason.
soundings can be taken. (eg bunker suppliers, owners,
charterers, P&I correspondent,
Actions Following Signs of the port authorities, local agents).
The Chief Engineer should ask Cappuccino Effect
the Barge Master to advise when
tank stripping will be carried out.
Should a vessel suspect that it is If the bunker receipt was signed
Tank stripping should be kept to receiving fuel oil containing air, the before the discrepancy was
a minimum and the Chief bunkering operation should be recognised, inform the supplier
Engineer should record how long stopped immediately. An attempt and all interested parties
it takes to strip the barge tanks.should be made to identify and immediately as some bunker
eliminate the source of the air and a contracts provide for shortages
to be notified within 24 or 48
Line blowing by the barge should letter of protest should be presented
hours.
only be permitted on completion to the Barge Master. Similarly, a
of bunkering. letter of protest should be issued if
evidence of the cappuccino effect is Send all relevant documentation
found on completion of bunkering. to the owner and, where
If the Chief Engineer believes Owners and (where applicable) applicable, time charterers.
that the vessel has been supplied charterers should be informed
with fuel into which air has been without delay. The local P&I Although bunker disputes are not
introduced, samples should be correspondent should also be always easy to resolve, the barge
taken from the affected tanks and contacted for advice who may may have gambled on the vessel not
examined in a clean glass appoint an independent bunker challenging the discrepancy due to
crew fatigue, the possibility of delay,
commercial pressures and the
prospect of the vessel being placed
off-hire. In such a situation the
likelihood of success may increase
the longer the vessel is prepared to
wait, particularly if such action is
taken with the shipowners full
support.