The terms “bunker” and “bunkering” are used interchangeably in the industry but they refer to two different concepts related to fuel management on ships. If you are in the offshore, shipping and fuel management, you need to know the difference between the two. This article will explain the definition, process and implications of bunker and bunkering.
Bunker
In the maritime context, bunker means the fuel that powers a ship’s engines. This fuel is stored in special tanks called bunker tanks. The term originated from the days of steamships when coal was stored in bunkers, compartments near the ship’s boilers.
Today bunker means marine fuels which can include heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine diesel oil (MDO), marine gas oil (MGO), and increasingly liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other alternative fuels.
Bunkers are classified based on their composition and usage. For example heavy fuel oil is a thick, viscous fuel used by large ocean going vessels and marine gas oil is lighter and used by smaller vessels or as a secondary fuel for larger ships.
Bunkering
“Bunkering” means supplying fuel to a ship via marine hoses. It involves transferring fuel from a storage facility, like an onshore storage tank or a bunker barge, to the ship’s bunker tanks. Bunkering is a process that requires careful planning and execution to be safe and efficient.
The bunkering process involves:
- Preparation: Before bunkering starts all preparation is made, checking the ship’s fuel requirements, inspect equipment and ensure all safety measures are in place.
- Connection: Hoses or pipelines are connected from the fuel source to the ship’s bunker manifold. Connections must be secure to prevent leaks and spills.
- Transfer: Fuel is transferred under controlled conditions with constant monitoring of flow rates, pressure and quantity of fuel being loaded.
- Disconnection and Final Checks: After transfer hoses or pipelines are disconnected and final checks are done to ensure no fuel has been spilled and all equipment is stowed away.
Bunker vs Bunkering
Both terms are related to marine fuels but have very different meanings. “Bunker” means the fuel itself such as heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine diesel oil (MDO), marine gas oil (MGO), liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Used in contexts talking about fuel inventory, quality and types of fuels used on ships. “Bunkering” means the process of supplying this fuel to a ship, the logistics, equipment and procedures for refuelling.
Regulatory aspects also differ. Regulations for bunkers focus on the quality and environmental impact of the fuel such as sulphur content to reduce emissions.
Bunkering regulations on the other hand focus on the safety and procedural aspects of the fuel transfer process including measures to prevent spills and accidents. Knowing the difference is key to efficient and safe fuel management in the maritime industry.
Environmental and Safety
The maritime industry has regulations on the type of fuel used (bunker) and the process of fueling (bunkering). International regulations such as those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) dictate the sulphur content of marine fuels to reduce emissions. Bunkering process must also follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and environmental damage.
Conclusion
In summary “bunker” and “bunkering” are related but different terms in the maritime industry. “Bunker” means the fuel used by ships and “bunkering” means the process of supplying this fuel to vessels. Both are important for efficient and safe ship operation and knowing the difference is crucial for anyone in maritime logistics and operations. Proper fuel management which includes the selection of the right type of bunker and safe bunkering procedures ensures smooth operation of maritime activities and compliance to environmental and safety standards.