Following talks with Eurotunnel we are pleased to confirm that they will permit purged cylinders through the tunnel. Here’s what you need to do. When you book let them know that you are a hot air balloon carrying purged fuel cylinders. The booking desk has now been informed that provided you have purging certificates covering all the cylinders you wish to take they will accept your booking. Self-declaration on a BBAC purging certificate will be acceptable. This must be presented when checking in or when demanded. You should then have no problems getting loaded. There is a strong likelihood that your purging certificates, and cylinders, will be checked prior to loading. If you do not have purging certificates then you will not be loaded. Eurotunnel has been most helpful so please don’t mess them about. If you have problems please contact Eurotunnel Freight Office, tel 01303 282244.
We have had a couple of reports that SeaFrance have only been permitting three cylinders whether purged or not! It does appear however that SeaFrance is now prepared to accept three cylinders containing propane, not exceeding a total of 45kg, to be carried. For those of you rushing to get your calculators this is actually 90 litres. Not a vast amount but may be enough to get you back with three partially filled cylinders. You will need to have a copy of the current M-Notice which is MGN19 (M) and can be downloaded from the MCA Website. We will try and get a copy onto the BBAC website. Please note however that MGN19 is up for renewal (already late) so this may only be in force for a couple of months or so. Although all staff have been notified it may still be the case that you will be directed to the Freight Office to have your paperwork checked. If you have any problems or need clarification contact the SeaFrance Freight Office on 01304 244265. As far as we know purged cylinders will continue to be accepted.
Interestingly we have had reports of gauge screws being found undone having crossed the Channel or following air-freighting. This is usually discovered when the cylinders are first refilled in the country of destination and the results can be quite alarming! You are therefore strongly advised to check the tightness of the gauge screws and integrity of the gauge seal prior to re-filling. Following terrorist threats, and the possibility of using flight cylinders for smuggling purposes, it would appear that internal inspections are sometimes made to the cylinders. Normally tape should be placed over those components checked by the Authorities to indicate a search has been made but this, apparently, is by no means guaranteed!
Reports have been received of quite thorough, random, inspections being carried out by the loadmasters or Supervisors on the quayside with respect to paperwork and cylinders to ascertain whether or not cylinders with purging certificates are actually purged. This may or may not be connected with fears of terrorism or smuggling but whatever the reason, please ensure that you have the correct paperwork and that your cylinders really are purged. If you are caught with cylinders containing fuel when you have declared them purged you will most likely be arrested and fined. Worse still it is likely that ferry companies will stop, forthwith, allowing any cylinders to be carried. Remember the final decision will always rest with the ferry company, or captain, as to any cargo permitted on board.