Singapore takes action on cappuccino bunkers
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said today it is to conduct an in-depth study on so called "Cappuccino bunkers" and will set up a bunkering assistance hotline in its efforts to tackle recent allegations of frothed bunkers being delivered in Singapore, Ship & Bunker reports.
The frothed, or "Cappuccino bunkers" effect, happens when excessive amounts of entrained air in the bunkers cause them to foam up to the point where it is difficult to quantify the delivery volume until the foaming has reduced.
"The study aims to verify the presence of frothed bunkers and the impact of such frothing, if present, during the custody transfer of bunker fuel," MPA said in a statement.
The National Metrology Centre will conduct the study, expected to be completed in 2013, and will address the issue from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
MPA said effective from November 1, 2012, 0830hrs it will also establish a bunkering assistance hotline, 1800-BUNKERS (1800-2865377), for the industry to contact MPA for on-site assistance in the event of bunker quantity disputes.
"This 24/7 hotline will enhance the bunkering experience offered in the Port of Singapore and facilitate dispute management," it said.
The announcements were made as part of a number of initiatives to enhance the quality of bunkering in Singapore made by Minister for Transport, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, at the opening ceremony of the 17th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON).
As part of the initiatives, MPA will provide more detailed information on the bunker suppliers in the port, and has also produced a step-by-step industry guide to encourage more bunker players to adopt mass flow meters.
In August, P&I club West of England said that unlike volumetric or positive displacement flow meters that could be fooled by Cappuccino bunkers, the use of mass flow meters produce more accurate readings.
It also advised that bunkering should be "stopped immediately" if it is suspected that a vessel is receiving Cappuccino bunkers.
