Warning of low flash point bunker fuel in Vyborg, Russia: DNVPS

Three high sulfur bunker fuel samples taken from bunker deliveries made in Vyborg, Russia, have shown low flash points, according to a DNV Petroleum Services bunker alert seen by Platts Monday.
The bunker alert, obtained via market sources, showed flash points of 46-50 degrees Celsius, below the ISO 8217:2005/2010/2012 parameter of a minimum 60 C.
The samples were from deliveries made January 8-26.
Marine fuels with a flash point below the minimum 60 C violate a number of regulations across different ports and such fuels are typically regarded as dangerous because they combust at lower temperatures than expected, which could result in safety breaches or accidents, market sources said.
DNVPS also recommended safety measures in its alert that workers in the vicinity of fuel storage tanks and vents should avoid smoking or bringing any other heat source near these fuels.
Source: Platts