This system receives and stores fuel and delivers it to settling tanks. Fuel oils are loaded through deck fill connections that have sample connections provided to permit the fuel to be sampled as it is taken aboard. HFO is loaded in storage tanks fitted with heating coils. In preparation for use, HFO is transferred to the fuel oil settling tanks via FO transfer pumps which are equipped with a suction strainer. Piping is so arranged that the pumps can transfer fuel between storage tanks and then to the deck connections for offloading. Settling tanks are used to permit gross water and solids to settle on the bottom.