What are your traditional delivery locations for ships in GOM (Gulf of Mexico)?
Although final rendezvous position is coordinated locally between Master of bunker tanker and Master of receiving vessel, the below positions are our most common delivery locations. We are not limited to these locations, and so please check for each inquiry.
Delivery can take place in the following areas:
Area
Latitude
Longitude
OFFSHORE GALVESTON LIGHTERING AREA:
28-40N
094-40W
SOUTH SABINE POINT LIGHTERING AREA:
28-40N
093-30W
SW PASS LIGHTERING AREA:
28-23N
090-36W
OFF LOOP (OUTSIDE LOOP SAFETY ZONE):
28-47N
090-00W
Note: For single-hull tankers, STS transfers are permitted only in the designated lightering zones.
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What is delivery location for ships that work at LOOP?
Bunkers are delivered approximately 10nm South of LOOP, outside the LOOP Safety Zone.
Position: LAT:28-47N / LONG: 089-56W
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Do you have an experienced Mooring Master for each delivery?
Yes. Mooring Master is always on board to assist in all STS operations. We employ Marine Business Exchange (formerly NauTech Marine Consultants).
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What products do you supply?
Currently, we offer only RMG-380.
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What is minimum quantity to be delivered?
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What is minimum length of receiving vessels?
152m LOA (same LOA of MY Atlantic) or 183m LOA (same as Nordic Ruth)
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Does the MY Atlantic and Nordic Ruth have fenders?
Yes. The MY Atlantic and Nordic Ruth have three and four floating Yokohama-type primary fenders, respectively. Additionally, both supply vessels have two Yokohama-type pneumatic “baby” fenders hanging over the sides near the bow and stern.
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What is pumping rate?
Both vessels are rated for up to 750mt/hr. However, we most commonly experience delivery rates of 400-500mt/hr due to the back-pressure and request from receiving vessels.
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Where is the location of bunker manifold?
Bunker manifold is located amidships on both supply ships.
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What is the Number/Length/Size of bunker hoses?
3 lengths of hose / 50 feet each / 8” diameter
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What size and number of reducers are carried on board?
2 each of: 10”~12”, 8”~10”, and 6”~8”
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During a normal operation what does the mooring configuration look like (i.e. head/spring/stern lines)? What/how many lines do your tankers take from the receiving vessel?
Normal mooring configuration is as follows: Forward - 4 headlines + 2 springs. Aft - 3 stern lines + 2 springs. However this configuration can be changed by the Mooring Master, depending on the prevalent weather conditions. Our supply vessels normally do not take any lines from the receiving vessel.
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Are bunker transfers carried out at anchor or underway?
Most of the time, at anchor. However, we can carry out transfer underway based on lightering area and on Mooring Master's advice.
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Is vessel equipped with a drip line sampler?
Yes. Marpol approved drip sampler is installed.
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Would supplier help to address the landing of the vessel received sample?
Yes, our tankers can bring samples/documents to Houston once vessel goes to reload. Samples are handed over to our Agent in Houston (Moran-Gulf Shipping Agency) and they can be picked up from there. Alternatively, samples could be sent to the customer’s preferred testing facility (on Customer’s account).
Note: Please be informed that our tanker may take between 10-15 days before returning to Houston terminal for reloading.
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On what side do your tankers carry out STS bunker operations?
VLCC’s carry out their STS lightering operations on their starboard side. Therefore, to avoid interfering with the lightering operations, we have our fenders rigged on our starboard side in order to go alongside a VLCC’s port side.
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Can you deliver bunkers concurrently with other lightering operations?
During underway STS operations: No. For underway STS operations, the authority of the two mooring masters would be contradictory.
While receiving vessel is at anchor: Yes. However, we would need approval/authorization from both the VLCC owner and lightering company.
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Can bunker deliveries be made at night?
Yes. However, since safety is always a primary concern, night time deliveries will be conducted only when weather conditions permit. This judgment is in the sole discretion of the Bunker Tanker Captain in consultation with the Mooring Master.
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Why does Chemoil require the vessel’s Q88 prior to delivery of bunkers?
Chemoil’s bunker delivery tankers are on time charter, and so the vessel’s owners require a recent Q88 (normally no older than 30 days) to approve STS operation.
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Is it necessary to appoint a local agent for bunker delivery?
No. Chemoil will coordinate directly with the vessel’s Master. We obtain vessel contact details from the vessel’s Q88, which our customer must provide if not readily accessible on the internet. If an agent has been appointed, we encourage all parties be aligned to achieve timely bunker delivery.
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