Off-spec bunkers: how to build a bunker quality claim

Atlas Claims InsightsPublished 9 October 2026 · Reviewed 14 October 2026 · 6 min read

Off-specification fuel can cause anything from filter clogging to serious engine damage, and the costs of de-bunkering, delay and repairs mount quickly. Bunker quality claims are winnable, but they are frequently lost on procedure before the technical merits are ever considered.

1. Check the supplier’s terms immediately

Bunker supply contracts and suppliers’ general terms commonly require quality complaints to be notified within a very short period after delivery, sometimes a matter of days, and may impose limits on liability and short time bars for starting proceedings. Read them on day one.

2. Protect the samples

The commercial samples taken during delivery usually decide a quality dispute. Record who took them, where in the line, how they were sealed and who holds them. A broken chain of custody can make good test results worthless.

• Keep the bunker delivery note and the sample labels and seal numbers.
• Note any protest issued at the time of delivery.
• Do not confuse the MARPOL sample (for regulatory compliance) with the commercial samples.

3. Test against the right specification

Compare results with the edition of ISO 8217 and the parameters named in the contract. Testing should be done by an independent laboratory, ideally with the supplier invited to attend or to test a counterpart sample.

4. Document the consequences

• Engine logs, alarms and chief engineer reports.
• Costs of filters, de-bunkering, replacement fuel and delay.
• Survey and repair reports linking any damage to the fuel.

5. Consider the whole chain

The fuel may have passed through a trader, a physical supplier and a barge operator. Under a time charter, responsibility between owner and charterer also needs to be considered. Identify every potentially liable party early, and protect time against each.

6. Negotiate with the evidence in hand

A claim presented with complete documents, independent test results and a clear calculation is far more likely to be settled by the supplier or its insurers without arbitration.

This guide is general information about the law of England and Wales as at October 2026. It is not legal advice and may not cover your situation. Atlas Claims is not a law firm; for advice on your legal rights or on litigation, consult a qualified solicitor.