The maritime industry carries immense responsibility when it comes to preventing pollution at sea. Among the many statutory certificates that ships must carry, the Civil Liability Certificate for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (Bunker CLC Certificate) is one of the most important. It directly addresses the risks of oil spills from ships’ bunkers, ensuring financial accountability and environmental protection.
In this guide, we will break down the purpose, background, legal basis, requirements, validity, and importance of the Bunker CLC Certificate in simple yet professional terms.
What is the Bunker CLC Certificate?
The Bunker CLC Certificate is an official document issued by a flag state certifying that a ship maintains valid insurance or financial security to cover its liability for bunker oil pollution damage.
Unlike crude oil tankers, every ship — including bulk carriers, container ships, passenger ships, and general cargo vessels — carries bunker oil (fuel oil used to operate engines). If this fuel leaks into the sea, it can cause massive pollution. The Bunker CLC Certificate ensures that shipowners are financially capable of paying compensation for cleanup, restoration, and damages.
Legal Basis: The Bunker Convention, 2001
The certificate arises from the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001, commonly known as the Bunker Convention.
Adopted: 23 March 2001
Entered into force: 21 November 2008
Administered by: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The Bunker Convention applies to all seagoing vessels and seaborne craft, regardless of type, size, or flag, that use bunker fuel.
Which Ships Need the Bunker CLC Certificate?
All ships over 1,000 GT must carry a valid Bunker CLC Certificate.
Ships must maintain insurance or financial security equal to their liability under the applicable limitation regime (usually the LLMC – Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims).
Even if the ship is not an oil tanker, it must comply, because bunker fuel itself is a major source of potential pollution.
Who Issues the Certificate?
Issued by the Flag State Administration of the vessel.
Some flag states delegate issuance to Recognized Organizations (ROs) such as classification societies.
If the flag state has not ratified the Bunker Convention, ships may obtain the certificate from a port state that has ratified it, to allow trading in those waters.
Key Requirements for the Certificate
To obtain the Bunker CLC Certificate, shipowners must show proof of:
- Insurance Cover – A valid P&I Club certificate of entry (or other approved insurer).
- Ship Particulars – Name, IMO number, call sign, port of registry, and tonnage.
- Owner’s Details – Full name and address of the registered owner.
- Financial Limits – Insurance coverage equal to the limitation amount set by the LLMC.
Validity and Renewal
The certificate is valid for the same period as the insurance policy, usually 12 months.
Must be renewed annually when the P&I cover is renewed.
Without it, a ship may be detained or denied entry into ports of convention states.
Why the Bunker CLC Certificate is Important
- Environmental Responsibility – Ensures ships can cover cleanup costs after a spill.
- Legal Compliance – Mandatory under international maritime law.
- Port State Control – Ships without a valid certificate risk detention, fines, or trading bans.
- Financial Security for Victims – Provides assurance that pollution damage claims will be compensated.
- Industry Reputation – Demonstrates commitment to safety and sustainability.
Typical Information Found on a Bunker CLC Certificate
Ship name and IMO number
Port of registry
Gross tonnage (GT)
Name and full address of the registered owner
Type of financial security (e.g., P&I insurance)
Name and contact details of the insurer or guarantor
Period of validity (start and expiry dates)
Difference Between Bunker CLC and CLC Oil Certificate
Bunker CLC Certificate: Applies to all ships above 1,000 GT for liability arising from bunker oil pollution.
CLC Oil Certificate: Applies specifically to oil tankers under the Civil Liability Convention (CLC), 1969/1992, covering pollution damage from persistent oil cargo.
Conclusion
The Bunker CLC Certificate is one of the most essential statutory documents onboard ships. It reflects the maritime industry’s commitment to ensuring that pollution caused by bunker fuel is both minimized and financially compensated. For shipowners and operators, maintaining this certificate is not just about compliance—it is about protecting the oceans, safeguarding reputations, and keeping vessels trading freely worldwide
