Marine Bunkering in Nigeria: How to Protect Fuel Quality and Quantity

Fuel is one of the biggest costs of running any vessel. Whether you operate supply boats in the Niger Delta, tugs in Lagos or a tanker calling at Nigerian ports, every bunker delivery has to be the right product, in the right quantity, delivered safely. This guide covers what to check when you buy bunkering services in Nigeria, from fuel specifications to bunker surveys.

1. Know exactly what fuel you are ordering

Start with a clear specification on your order. Marine fuels are normally ordered to ISO 8217, the international standard for marine fuel quality, and the order should state the grade and the edition of the standard.

• Marine Gas Oil (MGO) is the distillate fuel most smaller vessels, tugs and supply boats use.
• Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) is used by many larger vessels.

Since 1 January 2020, MARPOL Annex VI limits the sulphur content of fuel used outside Emission Control Areas to 0.50%, unless the vessel has approved exhaust gas cleaning equipment. Make sure the product you order, and the paperwork you receive, meet this limit.

2. Choose a licensed, reputable supplier

In Nigeria, the handling of petroleum products is regulated, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) oversees the downstream sector. Before you commit, check:

• That the supplier is properly licensed and can show its permits
• Where the product comes from, and whether it is supplied with a certificate of quality
• The condition of the bunker barge or vessel, its hoses and its metering equipment
• The supplier’s safety and spill-response arrangements
• References from other vessel operators

3. Take proper samples, every time

Samples are your evidence if there is ever a dispute about quality.

• Samples should be taken continuously throughout the delivery, normally by drip sampling at the receiving vessel’s manifold.
• Samples should be sealed, labelled and signed by both the supplier and the vessel’s representative.
• Under MARPOL Annex VI, a representative sample must be kept under the ship’s control until the fuel is substantially used up, and for at least 12 months from delivery.
• Send a sample to an independent laboratory for testing before you burn a new fuel, especially from a new supplier.

4. Check the Bunker Delivery Note

Every delivery should come with a Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) showing the product, quantity, density, sulphur content and supplier details. The BDN must be kept on board for three years. Check it against your order and your own measurements before you sign.

5. Protect the quantity with a bunker survey

Short deliveries are one of the most common bunkering disputes. An independent bunker survey protects both buyer and seller. A surveyor will typically:

1. Measure the supplier’s tanks and the receiving vessel’s tanks before delivery
2. Check that meters are sealed and calibrated
3. Monitor the pumping, including watching for air being blown into the fuel to inflate the readings
4. Take closing measurements and correct volumes for temperature and density
5. Witness sampling and issue a signed report of the quantity delivered

6. Put safety and the environment first

A bunkering operation is one of the highest-risk activities on board. Complete a pre-bunkering safety checklist with the supplier, agree communication and emergency stop signals, keep spill-response equipment ready, and never leave the manifold unattended. Protecting our waters is everybody’s responsibility.

How Alpek Marine can help

Alpek Marine provides marine fuelling and bunkering to passenger vessels, ferry operators, tug and barge operators, marinas and shipyards in Nigeria, across Africa and beyond. We select our suppliers carefully, carry out random quality tests to the agreed specification, and provide bunker surveys on both quality and quantity when requested. See our bunkering services or request a quote.