<h1>Fuel Transfer/ Storage</h1>
Fuel is the most significant point for vessels, as it is difficult to sail a vessel without appropriate fuel transfer and storage. As a result, a proper fuel oil transfer systems must be maintained in vessels to ensure that fuel is transferred and stored properly. The fuel oil transfer system is in charge of collecting and storing fuel, as well as moving it to tanks in the engine room where heavy particles and water are separated from the fuel. These tanks are termed as settling tanks or deep tanks. Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) is initially delivered to settling tanks, also referred as deep tanks, using fuel oil transfer pumps. These fuel oil transfer pumps are fitted with a vacuum filter. This transferring should be done extremely carefully and under adequate supervision, and it should be avoided in dock areas. However, in some circumstances, it is feasible, but there should be a high degree of inspection and management to ensure that there is no fuel spill. There should be adequate warning devices, and the valves should be operational so that there are no errors during and after the transfer of fuel. In vessels, there are fuel oil service tanks where the fuel is kept and maintained for instant use in engine and generating systems. The system is configured in accordance with the Llyod's Register, so that one tank supplies the fuel while the other is in fixing condition or is being cleaned. The storage of fuel is the responsibility of the person in charge of the vessel, but there are several norms and standards that must be observed to maintain the fuel as secure as possible. Since vessels travel in a variety of weather conditions, fuel storage should be organized properly. Due to excessive moisture, and ship mobility, water gathers in tanks, resulting in the formation of microorganisms, which subsequently damages the system’s infrastructure and equipment. As a result, tank washing should be done at regular intervals to avoid this and keep the system running smoothly. Fuel should be managed at the optimum temperature and pressure, and it should also be confirmed that the fuel is stored at the suitable temperature.
References:
1.<a href=" https://www.wartsila.com/encyclopedia/term/fuel-oil-transfer-system
">Wartsila</a>
2. <a href="https://www.wartsila.com/encyclopedia/term/fuel-oil-service-tank
">Wartsila</a>
3. <a href="https://www.exxonmobil.com/en/marine/technicalresource/marine-resources/fuel-storage-treatment-handling-iso-8217">lExxonmobil</a>