Computer error dries up Durban bunker supplies

Leonard Neill THE SUPPLY of bunker fuel to vessels in Durban harbour dried up at the end of last week following a computer error which resulted in an oversupply of existing stocks being booked out. None of the three refineries Ð Shell, BP and Engen Ð was able to disclose the source of the problem but it appears that an error caused the figures given as 'planned' to be converted to 'actuals', with the result that all existing stocks were sold without the necessary reserve backup. A spokesman for the bunker fuel industry told FTW that some vessels had been delayed because they had to wait longer than planned for fuel supplies to be delivered. The matter was expected to be rectified at some stage during the current week. In Cape Town, where supplies have not been affected, there has been a temporary hiccup in operations as a result of an independent test of fuel oil having shown that the aluminium silicone levels in the product were above the approved limit. Officials in the harbour are currently investigating, but it has not caused any unnecessary delays in sailings.