# Can this VLSFO bunker (BDN 0.49%, Lab Analysis Result 0.51%) be used onboard?

**URL:** <https://www.queseas.com/t/can-this-vlsfo-bunker-bdn-0-49-lab-analysis-result-0-51-be-used-onboard/1066>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [January 13, 2025, 2:54pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/can-this-vlsfo-bunker-bdn-0-49-lab-analysis-result-0-51-be-used-onboard/1066 "2025-01-13T14:54:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Mhaque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@Mhaque](https://www.queseas.com/u/Mhaque)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2025, 2:54pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/can-this-vlsfo-bunker-bdn-0-49-lab-analysis-result-0-51-be-used-onboard/1066/1 "2025-01-13T14:54:35Z")

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Seeking clarification - VLSFO Bunker Off-Spec on Sulphur  
(BDN 0.49%, Lab Analysis Result 0.51%):

Charterers argument: Subject bunker is ON-SPEC - because  
1, As per BDN Sulphur is 0.49%, (MARPOL VI, Reg 18.5)

2, Up to 0.53% is acceptable due to ISO reproducibility / repeatability (ISO 8217:2017, Clause 8)

3, Up to 0.53% sulphur is acceptable as per MEPC 882.

Owners counter: Subject bunker is OFF-SPEC - because

1, ISO repeatability/reproducibility is not applicable in relation to statutory requirements. MARPOL Annex VI clearly states that the maximum acceptable sulphur content is 0.50%. There is no exception to this.

2, MEPC 882, Table 2 accepts a test margin value up to 0.53% sulphur, however, that is for in-line / onboard samples. In-line / onboard samples are not representative / primary samples.

3, Similar type of issues was referred to a reputed flag state before. Their position was,

> > > as per BDN (i.e.: 0.49% S) the bunker is on-spec.  
> > > the company should not consume the bunker until tested compliant.  
> > > the company should approach the bunker supplier to resolve discrepancy.  
> > > such issue should be notified to the port state and the supplier saying the VLSFO is NON-COMPLIANT.

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**Author:** ![Paraschos.Liadis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f0a364/32.png) [@Paraschos.Liadis](https://www.queseas.com/u/Paraschos.Liadis)\
**Post date:** [February 6, 2025, 12:49pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/can-this-vlsfo-bunker-bdn-0-49-lab-analysis-result-0-51-be-used-onboard/1066/2 "2025-02-06T12:49:17Z")

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Hello @Mhaque, I think a tolerance is accepted as per MEPC.1/Circ882. It might be worth checking this with experts from a Classification Society,

 ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/uploads/queseas/original/1X/db27e66227784f793621debde69a4d503495d412.png)