Bunkering

Bunkering is the process of supplying marine fuel to ships. It encompasses the planning, delivery, transfer, and documentation involved in refueling a vessel, from supplier to tank. The term is widely used in shipping and port operations to describe the fueling of ships with bunker fuels such as residual oil or distillates.

Bunkering arrangements are typically coordinated between the ship's master or superintendent and a fuel supplier or bunker supplier, with a port authority or terminal operator overseeing safety. Fuel is delivered by shore-tank systems, fuel barges, or ships’ own bunkering rigs, and transferred to the vessel through hoses and pipelines.

Popular bunkers include residual fuel oil and marine gas oil, with specifications governed by standards such as ISO 8217 for marine fuels. The quantity and quality are documented in a bunker delivery note, and sampling is carried out to verify compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

Safety and environmental considerations are central to bunkering. Risks include fire, explosion, spills, and vapor hazards, mitigated by bonding, grounding, vapour control, and spill response planning. Regulations under MARPOL Annex VI and the Bunker Convention, along with national port rules, govern emissions, fuel quality, and liability for pollution.