Fuel Sample Analysis
Bunker sample testing is the laboratory analysis of fuel oil taken from a vessel’s tanks or bunkering line to verify that the product meets the quality specifications required by the charter party, MARPOL and the applicable fuel standards. ASTM standards provide the specific test procedures that laboratories use. Common ASTM methods for bunker fuel analysis include: - ASTM D1298 – Density - ASTM D445 – Kinematic viscosity - ASTM D4294 – Sulphur - ASTM D95 – Water - ASTM D482 – Ash - ASTM D93 – Flash point - ASTM D4868 – Calorific value
Lube Oil Analysis
Lube‑oil testing is the laboratory analysis of a ship’s lubricating oil to confirm it still meets the performance and safety limits set by the engine maker and international standards. ASTM standards (the test methods most labs use) - ASTM D445 – Kinematic viscosity (the oil’s flow at a given temperature). - ASTM D92 – Flash point (risk of fire). - ASTM D95 – Water content by distillation. - ASTM D482 – Ash content (indicates wear metals). - ASTM D5185 – Multi‑element analysis by ICP (detects wear metals like Fe, Cu, Al, etc.). - ASTM D6304 – Moisture by Karl‑Fischer.
Ballast Analysis
Ballast‑water testing is the process of checking the water a ship carries in its ballast tanks to make sure it meets international discharge rules. Standards: The International Maritime Organization’s Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM) sets the limits (e.g., < 10 viable organisms ≥ 50 µm per m³, < 10 viable organisms ≥ 10 µm per m³). Many ports also require compliance with US EPA or EU regulations, which reference specific test methods (e.g., ISO 18810, ASTM D6992).
Bunker Quantity Survey
Bunker quantity surveying is the process of verifying the amount and quality of fuel (bunker) that a vessel receives at a port. It typically involves: - Pre‑survey checks – confirming the vessel’s tanks are empty or noting existing fuel levels. - Witnessing the loading – observing the bunkering operation, ensuring the correct grade of fuel is used and that the quantity loaded matches the charter party or purchase order. - Tank measurements – taking soundings or using flow meters to determine the exact volume transferred.
Sewage Water Testing
- Ensures compliance with MARPOL Annex IV (sewage) and any local port rules. What’s measured - Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) – how much oxygen microbes need to break down organic matter. - Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) – total oxygen required for chemical breakdown. - Total Suspended Solids (TSS) – solid particles in the water. - Fecal coliforms / E. coli – indicator bacteria for sewage contamination. - pH and residual chlorine (if a treatment system is used).
Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
IHM (Inventory of Hazardous Materials) on a running ship is basically a live, ship‑wide register that lists every hazardous substance on board – from fuels and lubricants to cleaning chemicals and spare‑part materials. Key points: - What it covers: All items that fall under MARPOL, SOLAS, EU‑SDS, Hong Kong regs, etc. - Why it matters: It lets the crew, owners, and port authorities quickly see what hazardous stuff is present, which is crucial for safety, compliance, and for planning waste‑disposal or recycling when the ship reaches a port or is de‑commissioned. - How it’s kept: The inventory is updated whenever a new consignment arrives, a product is consumed, or a material is removed. Many ships now keep it in an electronic database that can be accessed by the master and shore‑side technical managers.
Database Building for Planned Maintenance System
Why Tenhan Global?
- ✔ ISO 8217, ASTM & MARPOL-certified laboratory
- ✔ Fast reporting for marine operations
- ✔ Expert marine chemists & analysts
- ✔ Accurate CBM & wear-metal detection
- ✔ Global shipping support
- ✔ Technical recommendation reports
