About this Training Course
The offshore energy and marine transportation services sectors are undergoing a profound transformation. While the oceans remain unchanged, the operational, environmental, regulatory, and commercial demands placed on evolving bunker fuels and supply chain activities have evolved significantly. This course; Managing Bunker Fuels, covers the end-to-end lifecycle of marine fuel, from production and regulatory compliance to the technical aspects of shipboard operations and the legal aspects of claims management. It focuses on the transition from traditional heavy fuels to sustainable alternatives and on the rigorous quality-control measures required to prevent engine failures and legal disputes.
Key concepts for existing and new Fleets:
- IMO 2020 Compliance: The mandatory shift to a 0.50% global sulphur cap outside of ECAs. This revolutionized the market, leading to the prevalence of VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil).
- Cryogenic Fuel Management: Future fuels like Liquid Hydrogen require specialized infrastructure to maintain temperatures as low as -2530 C, presenting significant volume and storage challenges.
- The “Drop-In” Advantage: Biofuels (like FAME) are critical for the existing fleet because they require minimal engine modification compared to LNG or Ammonia.
- Fuel Compatibility & Stability: Mixing chemically different fuels can trigger asphaltene precipitation, leading to “sludging” that can disable a vessel’s propulsion system.
- Contractual Binding Samples: In commercial disputes, the Supplier’s Sample (taken at the barge) is typically challenged as the contractually binding evidence for quality, whereas the MARPOL Sample is strictly for regulatory/legal compliance with sulphur laws.
- Advanced Contaminant Identification: Standard ISO 8217 tests may miss chemical adulterants. GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) is the industry “gold standard” for forensic identification of waste chemicals in fuel.
This intensive three-day training programme is designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge and decision-making frameworks to effectively manage the commercial and technical bunkering operations. This 15-module framework ensures that all stakeholders in the bunker value chain possess a unified, expert-level understanding of the risks and opportunities facing the industry. By aligning procurement contracts with the latest ISO 8217:2024 standards, adopting Mass Flow Metering to enhance transparency, and preparing for the stringent carbon-intensity mandates of the FuelEU Maritime regulation, organizations can mitigate the multi-million-dollar risks associated with fuel contamination and quantity disputes.
The transition from traditional fossil fuels to a diverse portfolio of alternative and digital solutions requires not only technical adaptation but a fundamental evolution in management strategy. This course curriculum provides the essential knowledge to lead that transition with confidence and commercial resilience.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Gain working knowledge of the quality, safety, security, health, and environmental protection regulations essential for the bunker value chain.
- Effectively manage risks in bunkering operations, by learning the contractual obligations, insurance regime, marine risks during offshore bunkering, and the importance of maintaining records as evidence in compliance with the CSIG or Bunker Sales Contract clauses.
- Learn the contractual obligations of bunker supplier and bunker vessel owners towards ship owners, charterers, vendors, lessees, and contractors, from a practitioner who has worked and consulted for major offshore E&P contractors and ship owners.
- Effectively adopt best practices in the management of bunker operations in the context of geographically diverse locations and the stringent SOPs of Ports, NOC/IOC General Terms of Trading.
- Gain understanding of managing sanctions, blockades, and evolving geopolitical situations impacting International Trade Terms & Conditions for commercial business management processes.
This course is designed for professionals involved in marine fuel supply, bunkering operations, ship management, fuel quality assurance, and commercial risk management. It is especially valuable for stakeholders across the bunkering value chain who must balance operational reliability, regulatory compliance, contractual accountability, and the transition to alternative marine fuels.
- Bunker Traders and Bunker Procurement Managers
- Bunker Supply and Barge Operations Managers
- Fleet Operations and Vessel Performance Managers
- Chartering Managers and Charterparty Executives
- Marine Engineers and Chief Engineers
- Shipowners, Ship Managers, and Technical Superintendents
- Marine Fuel Quality and Laboratory Personnel
- HSSE and Marine Risk Management Professionals
- Maritime Legal, Claims, and Insurance Executives
- Port, Terminal, and Marine Logistics Personnel
- Compliance, Sanctions, and Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Alternative Fuels, Decarbonization, and Sustainability Teams
- Intermediate
- Advanced
The course uses a highly practical, workshop-based learning approach that combines expert-led instruction, case-study analysis, group discussions, and scenario-based exercises. Participants learn through real bunkering, contractual, and contamination cases, hands-on risk identification workshops, and a final live assessment simulating stakeholder roles across the bunker supply chain.
Principal Management Consultant
Chartered Valuer and Appraiser (CVA)
FAIADR |Senior Accredited Director, M.S.I.D. | Member, ACFE |
LL.M. (IP Laws), M. Sc. (Maritime Studies),
M. Tech (Knowledge Engineering)
MBA, First Class CoC (MCA, UK), B. E. (Elect)
Your expert course leader, for more than four decades, has worked and consulted in the industry verticals encompassing: Technology, Oil & Gas Exploration & Production, Petrochemical Process Plants and Power Plant Construction Projects, Logistics & Warehousing, Marine, Offshore, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Infrastructure Development Projects (Ports, Offshore Supply Bases, Oil & Gas Terminals and Airports etc.), EPCIC Contracts, and Shipyards, in South East Asia, Africa, Middle East, Americas and Europe.
He has served as the Principal Management Consultant with management consultancy firms in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore, specializing in corporate management consultancy, international contract reviews, and alternative dispute resolution services. He undertakes special assignments to conduct audits and valuations of intangible properties, including proprietary processes for licensed production, and to license intellectual property rights (IP Rights) in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. He is frequently engaged in assignments such as due diligence, acquisitions and mergers, resolving operational issues, technology transfer, agency services contract reviews, cost controls, and enhancing Supply Chain Management. He has been conferred the credentials of Chartered Valuer & Appraiser (CVA) by SAC and IVAS, in accordance with the international valuation standards-setting body, the IVSC.
His consulting experience includes Charterparty Management, Business Process Re-engineering, Diversifications, Corporate Development, Marketing, Complex Project Management, Feasibility Studies, Dispute Resolutions, and Market Research.
He has successfully assisted Marine and offshore E&P clients in managing contractual disputes arising from various international contracts for upgrading & conversion projects. He continues to be actively engaged in claims reviews, mediation, arbitration, litigation, and expert witness-related assignments, arising from international contracts and Charterparty Agreements.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, an MBA in General Management, a Master of Technology in Knowledge Engineering, a Master of Science in Maritime Studies, and an LL.M. (IP Law). He also holds professional qualifications in Business Valuations and Appraisers for CVA, arbitration, law, and marine engineering, including the Chief Engineer’s First-Class Certificate of Competency (MCA, UK).
He is further qualified and accredited as a Certified International Arbitrator, Chartered Arbitrator, Sports arbitrator under CAS Rules, WIPO Neutral, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Bargaining Code Arbitrator, Accredited Adjudicator, and Accredited Mediator (Malaysia). He is admitted to the international panels of arbitrators and neutrals.
Unlock the potential of your workforce with customized in-house training programs designed specifically for the energy sector. Our tailored, in-house courses not only enhance employee skills and engagement but also offer significant cost savings by eliminating travel expenses. Invest in your team’s success and achieve specific outcomes aligned with your organization’s goals through our expert training solutions. Request for further information regarding our on-site or in-house training opportunities.
In our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will no longer providing hard copy training materials. Instead, all training content and resources will be delivered in digital format. Inspired by the oil and energy industry’s best practices, we are leveraging on digital technologies to reduce waste, lower our carbon emissions, ensuring our training content is always up-to-date and accessible. Click here to learn more.
To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized “One to One” coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster.
Request for further information post training support and fees applicable
A: Managing bunker fuels means planning, buying, testing, storing, and using marine fuel safely and efficiently. It also covers fuel quality, emissions compliance, sampling, recordkeeping, and dispute prevention. In practice, managing bunker fuels helps ship operators reduce risk, protect engines, and meet regulatory rules.
A: Fuel quality affects engine performance, vessel safety, and legal compliance. Poor fuel can cause sludge, wear, pump damage, and even loss of propulsion. It can also lead to claims between owners, charterers, and suppliers. For that reason, operators need proper testing, clear samples, and strong documentation.
A: The main bunker fuels today include VLSFO, HSFO, MGO, MDO, LNG, biofuel blends, methanol, and ammonia. Each fuel has different costs, risks, and handling needs. For example, LNG needs cryogenic storage, while biofuels may fit more easily into existing fleets. As rules tighten, fuel choice now plays a bigger role in managing bunker fuels.
A: Alternative fuels can lower sulphur emissions and support decarbonization goals. Some options, such as biofuels, work with fewer engine changes. However, each option has limits. LNG may create methane slip, methanol is toxic, and ammonia needs strict safety controls. So, operators must balance emissions gains with cost, storage, training, and fuel supply.
A: Contracts set the rules for fuel quality, sampling, claims, liability, and compliance. They also define who is responsible when fuel is off-spec or unsuitable. Good contract terms help owners, charterers, and suppliers avoid disputes. In addition, clear wording helps align commercial terms with operational needs.
A: Common bunkering problems include contamination, fuel incompatibility, quantity disputes, and poor sampling. Errors can also happen during transfer, measurement, or recordkeeping. As a result, operators need strong checks before, during, and after delivery. These steps support safe operations and better control when managing bunker fuels.
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