ㅤ
Tiếng Việt
In the shipping industry, “bunker” refers to fuel supplied to ships (diesel, fuel oil, hydrogen phosphate, hydrogen peroxide, low-sulfur fuel oil, etc.). Oil/chemical bunker vessels are specialized ships used to transport and supply fuel/oil/chemicals to other ships at ports, anchorages, or permitted operating areas.
1. Concept of Oil/Chemical Bunker Vessels
Oil bunker vessel:
Specifically transports and supplies various types of marine fuel oils such as hydrogen peroxide, diesel, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, etc., to container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, passenger ships, etc.
Oil/chemical bunker vessel:
In addition to fuel, the vessel can also carry certain types of liquid chemicals (according to IMO classification) such as additives, solvents, or other liquid oil/chemical products for shipbuilding and industrial use.
These vessels typically have a structure similar to small to medium-sized oil/chemical tankers, with multiple independent cargo tanks, and specialized pumping and piping systems to ensure safety, prevent leaks, and combat fires and explosions.
2. Main Functions of Oil/Chemical Bunker Vessels
Supplying fuel to seagoing vessels (bunkering)
Pumps oil from the bunker vessel to the receiving vessel via a flexible hose system.
Delivery and receipt at docks, buoys, offshore anchorages, or transshipment areas.
Transporting liquid oil/chemicals over short to medium distances.
Transporting fuel from main depots to small ports and coastal industrial zones.
Carrying various types of liquid chemicals, blending additives, base oils, and light oil products.
Supporting maritime logistics services.
Combining the supply of oil, fresh water, lubricants, and even waste oil collection, depending on the design.
As a crucial link in the energy logistics chain for ships.
3. Design characteristics of oil/chemical bunker ships
Multiple separate cargo tanks:
Allows carrying multiple types of oil/chemicals simultaneously, preventing mixing.
Specialized pumping and piping system:
Pumps with appropriate capacity (usually from several tens to several hundred m³/hour).
Pipes are color-coded and marked according to cargo type to prevent confusion.
Fire and explosion safety system:
Equipped with inert gas, fire extinguishing system, gas sensors, and safety valves.
The cargo deck area is often a hazardous area, with strict regulations regarding electrical equipment.
Compliance with IMO/MARPOL standards:
Designed according to oil/chemical tanker standards, requiring double bottom and double sides, spill containment, and environmental protection.
Includes a spill collection system and clear operating procedures.
4. Basic Bunkering Procedure
A typical bunkering operation includes:
Preparation:
Checking documents, oil type, quantity, critical points (flash point, density, sulfur content, etc.).
Safety meeting (toolbox meeting) between the bunker vessel, the receiving vessel, and the port authority.
Pipe connection:
Connecting flexible hoses, installing flanges, tightening bolts, installing drip trays to collect spills.
Checking valves, preparing communication systems (VHF, radio).
Pumping:
Gradually increasing flow rate, monitoring pipeline pressure and tank level.
Recording flowmeter readings and draft surveys if necessary.
Completion:
Stopping pumping, flushing the pipeline, and retrieving the flexible hoses.
Preparing a Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) and obtaining signatures.
5. The Role of Oil/Chemical Bunker Vessels in the Maritime Energy Supply Chain
Ensures ships always have sufficient fuel for their voyages.
Optimizes time: ships can receive fuel quickly at the anchorage area, eliminating the need to wait for refueling at the main port.
Contributes to the stability of the cargo logistics chain, as a shortage of bunkers would force ships to stop and wait, incurring significant costs.
Is a crucial link in the ecosystem of port services, fuel depots, and maritime transport.
