Dutch authorities are set to enforce ISO bunker sampling standard in Port of Rotterdam, according to the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA).
The Association has said the IBIA Secretariat has received information from the Port of Rotterdam that the Inspectorate for Environment and Transport in the Netherlands is planning for the Port of Rotterdam to strictly enforce the rules for fuel oil sampling (the MARPOL sample) on board the receiving vessel via drip sampling to conform with ISO 13739.
If both parties agree on a different sample point (that is other than the receiving vessel’s manifold), then the Inspectorate will have to be informed, and can issue a waiver.
Other ISO bunker sampling may be taken via the bunker barge sample point.
All seal (numbers) and counter seals have to be noted on the BDN.
As this rule is not currently standard practice in ARA, the Dutch Inspectorate are initially expected to be flexible but are likely to start to enforce this rule during this year and no later than the beginning of 2026. This will coincide with the obligation of MFM.