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Home › Engine Room › Bunkering Operations and Fuel Quality Control
Operational guide · Operational procedure

Bunkering Operations and Fuel Quality Control

MARPOL VI/18 governs the BDN and representative sample, not a universal checklist; from 2026 SOLAS requires the supplier declaration/test method and a BDN with measured flashpoint or a statement measured at or above 70°C.

bunkeringBDNfuel qualityspill

Operational Explanation

MARPOL VI/18 governs the BDN and representative sample, not a universal checklist; from 2026 SOLAS requires the supplier declaration/test method and a BDN with measured flashpoint or a statement measured at or above 70°C.

Regulatory Reference

MARPOL Annex VI/18; SOLAS II-2/4.2.1.6 and MSC.520(106). Checklist from SMS/terminal/local/contract practice.

Scope of Application

Every bunkering; compliance below 60°C is assessed against the exact approved SOLAS arrangement, not only an emergency-generator exception.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Complete the ship/terminal checklist required by SMS and port.
  2. Before bunkering verify the supplier's signed/certified SOLAS declaration and test method.
  3. Verify BDN: measured flashpoint or statement measured at or above 70°C.
  4. Keep the SOLAS declaration distinct from the MARPOL-delivered sample.
  5. Assess below-60°C branches only when expressly permitted and approved.

Practical Example

A BDN states the measured flashpoint: the team also checks declaration and test method against the ship's approved arrangement.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Attributing the checklist to MARPOL, checking only ≥60°C on the BDN, or treating 43°C emergency generator as the sole branch below 60°C.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to Avoid It
Attributing the checklist to MARPOL, checking only ≥60°C on the BDN, or treating 43°C emergency generator as the sole branch below 60°C.Non-compliant decision or treatmentFollow the approved arrangement and applicable sources

What the PSCO Checks

Evidence of the approved arrangement, procedures, records, competence, defect management and consistency with statutory/class/maker requirements.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Does MARPOL prescribe one checklist form?
No. It is an SMS/local/contractual control.
What must the BDN state?
Measured flashpoint or that it was measured at or above 70°C.
Is below 60°C always prohibited?
Check the exact expressly permitted and approved SOLAS branch for the ship.

Related Topics

MARPOL Annex VIPurifiers and Separators

Last substantive revision of this page: 31 August 2026 · page fingerprint 7ceaf1ca303d