Bunkers are a critical component of ship operations and one of the most cost intensive..

Bunkering services and service providers such as a bunker barge operator play a crucial role in maritime shipping worldwide..

All major ports around the world offer this as part of their service suite, to attract more vessels, increase efficiency, increase revenue and create local employment..

In South Africa, in-port bunkering service offers safe and convenient bunkering, as it is conducted within the harbour, which is protected from adverse weather and with the supervision of the South Africa’s state-owned port operator Transnet..

While Transnet ensures that the bunker operator has all necessary licenses, South African Maritime Safety Authority ensures that the crew on board are suitably qualified, the vessel is seaworthy, as well as cargo-worthy and that marine pollution is minimised..

Linsen Nambi Bunker Services fulfils the bunkering needs of the shipping traffic in South Africa through their bunker barge operations..

We caught up with Durand Naidoo, MD of Linsen Nambi who explained what a day in the life of a bunker barge operator looks like..

Bunker barge operations are a rolling 24/7/365 operation, crew work a quad shift system, of 12-hour shifts. The shift structure ensures that seafarers work on average 14 days in a month and are provided with sufficient rest periods.

The morning shift starts with a detailed handover between all Officers and Ratings, then once the handover is complete, the off going shift leaves the barge.

Morning toolbox talks takes place, where the Captains discuss the plan for the day including various aspects relating to operational safety and efficiency. The officers and crew then conduct morning rounds including gangway watches, stowaway searches, atmosphere checks, housekeeping activities etc.  All crew understand their role in the operation and get on with fulfilling their function.