DESPITE REGULATORY CONSTRAINTS, FLUECHEM DELIVERED HAZARDOUS BULK CAUSTIC SODA 50% TO A CARGO VESSEL IN ITALY, ENSURING THE VESSEL REMAINED COMPLIANT AND ON SCHEDULE WITHOUT ANY DELAYS.
Fluechem’s global network successfully carries out another operationally challenged delivery from Beirut to Venice. We continue to meet expectations, leaving clients with a strong sense of trust in our expertise in the marine industry.
THE CHALLENGE
A three-year-old cargo vessel was scheduled to make a port visit to Beirut and 48 hours before arrival, it began looking for a provider of bulk Caustic Soda 50%. It’s route around the Mediterranean meant it required bulk Caustic Soda 50% to address recent fuel quality issues to comply with the SOx emission standards; procurement of the product was vital.
Caustic Soda 50% is used to reduce the SOx emissions associated with high sulphur bunker fuel. It’s classed as a hazardous substance and requires careful and compliant handling to ensure safe operations. Fluechem specialises in the global supply of Caustic Soda 50% in line with all international regulations and guidelines, as well as local customs and practices. Fluechem’s operational Caustic Soda team were ready for the task.
PLAN OF ACTION AND DELIVERY
As details of the assignment came in, our Caustic Soda team assessed the options with the vessel and port authorities. They determined that pumping the material directly onto the vessel was the safest and most efficient method for delivery. It provided a cost-effective solution while operating within safety parameters of port regulations.
The delivery was scheduled with our local partners, yet it had to be suspended as the local authorisation process meant that, despite being expedited, the approvals could not be obtained within the vessel’s time constraints.
However, as with any other delivery, the contingency plan was initiated and following discussions with the Captain, it was determined that the vessel could run with enough reserves to make it to the next port in Italy. The focus now turned to Venice.
Unfortunately due to port regulations in Venice, a bulk delivery of Caustic Soda 50% by road tanker would not be possible; in fact any delivery of hazardous substances to the vessel could only be carried out during a window of 4hrs after cargo operations. The Caustic Soda delivery team considered a number of options, including a bulk transfer via launch. However, it was agreed with all parties that the only credible and compliant option would be to crane 1,000 L IBCs directly onto the main deck at the end of cargo operations and get a pumping crew to pump them directly into the vessel’s storage tank. The catch? Caustic soda freezes at 12°C and we weren’t experiencing an Italian summer.
Our Italian pumping crew and equipment were mobilised and the 16 IBCs were successfully lifted onto the vessel’s desk. With the support of the ship’s crew, the pumping operation commenced.
Despite a pump failure and temperature constraints; within a few short hours the transfer was complete, allowing the vessel to sail for its next voyage right on schedule. The benefit of the pumping team mobilising with back up equipment and resources plus working as a team with the ship’s crew, resulted in the operation being a success. Upon completion everything was removed, including the empty IBC’s, allowing Fluechem to continue its journey to reduce marine emissions in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Niall Roberts, Fluechem’s CEO added.
“We are proud of the successful completion of another challenging delivery from Beirut to Venice with no impact to vessel schedule. Our team demonstrated their expertise and ability to adapt to changing circumstances, resulting in a flawless, successful delivery of hazardous material under strict safety parameters. The operation showcases Fluechem’s commitment to meeting and exceeding client expectations and our reputation as a leading expert in the delivery of Caustic Soda 50% to the marine industry.”
