200526 Bunker Hose Split

Bunker Hose Split
MARS Report 200526

A Company vessel anchored in one of the North African ports in order to take bunkers. After a successful mooring operation, the bunker barge staff started to connect the bunker hose. In the meantime, the Chief Engineer was completing the Bunker Checklist. One of the items required him to inspect the bunker hose. On close inspection the bunker hose outer core was found cut in two areas - see pictures.

The Bunker Barge Master was kindly asked for the pressure test certificate. Unfortunately the Bunker barge staff could not present the certificate. At this point the Master of our vessel called us immediately and informed the charterers. Our position was very clear - a vessel cannot take bunkers using a substandard hose. The charterers tried to exercise some pressure on the Master, however, after further discussion in which the above pictures played a crucial role, the bunker operation was cancelled and the vessel left without bunkering.

Comment:

First of all we would like to complement the ship's staff, especially the Chief Engineer and the Master for their safety and environmental awareness. Extremely prompt and correct action taken by the ship's staff allowed all parties to reach an agreement without compromising safety. We do appreciate that it is extremely difficult to stand by the regulations and expected high standards when commercial pressure is being experienced.

Therefore this case is a very good example of a proper attitude and approach, which, if used correctly in a commercially difficult situation, can and will ensure that safety standards are being observed.