July 18, 2002

To Everyone:
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha
Maritime Cost Administration Group

BUNKER INFORMATION
(No.2)

Regarding the Cappuccino Bunker

At the Singapore Port, there are vicious workers who mix a large volume of air with the
fuel oil during bunkering and would make it appear that they are increasing the amount of fuel.
If air is mixed with the fuel oil, there will be a frothy effect that is same as cappuccino coffee.
Thus, it is commonly called the “Cappuccino Bunker”.
What is troubling about this are the following: it takes from about 1 week to 10 days before
the air bubbles or froth disappear from the fuel oil; it is difficult to check immediately after the
bunkering; even if the quality and condition of the fuel is analyzed it is still quite difficult to
check its traces; and the deceptive bunkering amount reaches about 5~10% more than the
actual.
As a result, it could possibly cause suffering from secondary damages such as Short
Bunker and it may become inevitable to bunker in other ports urgently. As a matter of fact,
these have actually happened recently.
To prevent the cappuccino bunker damages in the future, implement the following
preventive measures during bunkering.

Preventive Measures for the Cappuccino Bunker

It would be best to think that in Singapore, any barge could possibly cheat. We believe that
scared of being discovered with their dishonesty, they have plans so that even if they are
discovered there would be no evidence and it would do them no damage. Consequently, they
shall inquire about this vessel’s countermeasures and when they judge that it is okay, they will
perform their dishonest act. Thus, the vessel should have thorough countermeasures.

1. Barge Inspection and Measurement for All the Tanks Before Loading
Among the past cappuccino-caused bunker damage cases, most were cases in which
inspection and measurement were not made for a part of the tanks in the barge (there were
many cases in which measurements were not performed because those tanks were not being
used and/or the bunkers for the other ships were loaded). This is because the amount that
was tricked through the cappuccino can be hidden. Therefore, you should demand to
measure all the tanks in the barge before bunkering. This is mentioned clearly in the
Singapore Bunkering Procedures ( SS:CP 60). If barge refuse to measure of all the tanks, it
is in breach of the CP 60 and report accordingly.

2. Through the following check points, find out the cappuccino bunker suspicion and
then protest to them.
During the meeting before the bunkering, if there are doubts on increased amount due to
air-mixing, say in advance that this would be put in the Remark in the Receipt. If there are
remarks in the receipt, although it would naturally be an edge in later disputes, doing so
often would be helpful in reducing the damage.
There are the following checking methods as ways in finding out cappuccino bunker
doubts/suspicions.
  Checking with the use of the Hydrometer for Petroleum
Buoyancy will be reduced if there is a large content of froth and the hydrometer will
further go down. Consequently, the measurement results will appear smaller than the
specific gravity discussed before the operation. Through these, the possibility of
cappuccino bunker can be judged. However, in case the barge crew could not
understand this argument/theory, it may simply be protested that the specific gravity is
smaller than planned.

 Put a sample in a clear container, let the light pass through and then occasionally
check the condition of the froth
Although there would always be a certain amount of froth because the bunker is sent via
pumps, always check if the froth has excessively increased. In addition, that act will
become a silent pressure for the barge.

 The other checking procedures are the followings:

 Changes in the sounds of oil transfer during bunkering
 Froth/bubbles that adhered in the tape measure weight
 More bunkering amount than the planned bunkering amount

Countermeasures After the Bunkering of the Cappuccino Bunker

In case the loading of cappuccino bunker can be judged through various methods, check for
damages through the following points and prevent secondary damages.

1. Implementation of Measurements and the Confirmation of the Bunkering Amount

Implement measurements the next day, or the soonest possible opportunity and confirm the
change in amount. If it looks like it will decrease, implement the measurement operation
until the reduction has disappeared; or in short, until the actual of the bunkering amount can
be confirmed.

2. Reporting
When it has been judged that the cappuccino bunker has been loaded, report the incident
immediately to the company. With regard to the items to be reported, report all the points
about the tank condition that differ from the usual when the cappuccino bunker has been
loaded. This will be used for future reference.

3. Calculation of the Navigational Duration

Check if it is necessary to have additional bunkering at the next bunkering port.

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