Bunker Survey – Marine Fuel Quantity & Condition Assessment
Independent bunker quantity, ROB verification and fuel documentation survey services for shipowners, charterers, operators, P&I interests and maritime stakeholders.
Independent Bunker Survey for Marine Fuel Operations
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent bunker survey services to establish, verify and document quantities of marine fuel on board and quantities received or delivered during bunkering operations.
The survey may include pre-bunkering and post-bunkering measurements, Remaining On Board (ROB) verification, tank sounding or ullage measurements, temperature and density observations, Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) review, quantity reconciliation and technical reporting.
Depending on the agreed scope, PAMS may also attend representative fuel sampling and sealing arrangements and provide technical evidence for quantity discrepancies, on-hire/off-hire assessments and bunker-related commercial claims.
PAMS Bunker Survey Methodology
Pre-Bunkering Assessment
Review of the planned bunkering operation, available tank information, calibration tables, previous ROB records and relevant bunker documentation before measurements commence.
Quantity Measurement
Independent sounding or ullage measurements of applicable fuel tanks, together with relevant temperature observations and available tank calibration information.
Documentation & BDN Reconciliation
Review of Bunker Delivery Notes, vessel records and supplier documentation to compare documented quantities with the measured bunker position.
Post-Bunkering Verification
Final measurements are compared with the pre-bunkering condition to establish the quantity received and identify material discrepancies requiring further investigation.
Bunker Survey Inspection Scope
The exact attendance scope is adapted to the vessel, bunkering arrangement, port requirements, available documentation and client instructions. Typical bunker survey activities may include the following.
ROB Verification
- Measurement of fuel quantities remaining on board.
- Review of applicable fuel tank soundings or ullages.
- Comparison with vessel records and declared ROB quantities.
- Identification of significant measurement discrepancies.
Bunker Delivery Quantity
- Pre-bunkering fuel quantity measurements.
- Post-bunkering fuel quantity measurements.
- Quantity reconciliation based on measured tank quantities.
- Comparison with supplier-declared delivery quantities.
Tank Sounding & Ullage
- Fuel tank sounding or ullage observations.
- Review of applicable tank calibration tables.
- Identification of measurement conditions affecting quantity calculations.
- Recording of relevant measurement evidence.
Temperature & Density Records
- Recording of available fuel temperature information.
- Review of density information stated on applicable bunker documentation.
- Comparison of available data used in quantity calculations.
- Documentation of relevant measurement conditions.
BDN & Documentation Review
- Bunker Delivery Note review.
- Supplier documentation and declared quantity.
- Vessel bunker records.
- Relevant logbook and operational records where available.
Sampling & Sealing Coordination
- Attendance at representative fuel sampling arrangements where included in the agreed scope.
- Review of sample identification and sealing information.
- Recording of sample details and supporting documentation.
- Coordination of evidence relevant to subsequent fuel quality investigation.
Quantity Reconciliation
- Comparison of opening and closing fuel quantities.
- Reconciliation against declared bunker delivery quantity.
- Identification of apparent quantity differences.
- Technical documentation of calculation assumptions.
Evidence & Technical Reporting
- Recording of measurements and relevant observations.
- Photographic evidence where appropriate.
- Documentation of discrepancies.
- Structured bunker survey report.
Bunker Survey Documentation Review
Accurate bunker assessment depends on the relationship between physical measurements and the technical documentation used to calculate fuel quantities.
| Documentation Area | Technical Review Focus |
|---|---|
| Bunker Delivery Note | Declared fuel grade, quantity, density information, delivery details and relevant supplier documentation. |
| Tank Calibration Tables | Applicable tank capacities and calibration information used for bunker quantity calculations. |
| Sounding / Ullage Records | Pre-bunkering and post-bunkering measurements and associated measurement conditions. |
| ROB Records | Declared remaining fuel quantities and comparison with independently observed measurements. |
| Fuel Sampling Records | Sample identification, sealing information and relevant sampling documentation where available. |
| Vessel Operational Records | Relevant bunker, engine and fuel-transfer records where necessary for quantity reconciliation. |
Bunker Survey Assessment Process
Attendance Planning
Review of vessel details, port location, bunkering arrangement, requested survey scope and available bunker documentation.
Initial Measurements
Recording of applicable fuel tank quantities and relevant measurement information before bunkering operations.
Bunkering Attendance
Attendance during the agreed bunker operation, including observation of relevant documentation, sampling and operational information where applicable.
Final Measurements
Post-bunkering tank measurements are recorded and compared with the initial bunker position.
Reconciliation & Reporting
Measured quantities are reconciled against declared quantities and the findings are presented in a structured technical report.
What the Bunker Survey Helps Determine
Quantity Received
Establishment of the bunker quantity indicated by the agreed measurement and reconciliation process.
Remaining On Board
Independent verification of fuel quantities remaining on board at the time of survey attendance.
Quantity Discrepancies
Identification and documentation of apparent differences between measured and declared bunker quantities.
Documentation Consistency
Comparison of physical measurements with BDN information, vessel records and available supporting documentation.
On-Hire / Off-Hire Position
Independent documentation of fuel quantities relevant to vessel delivery, redelivery and charter-party bunker assessments.
Technical Evidence
Structured measurement and documentary evidence that may support subsequent commercial discussions or bunker quantity claims.
Bunker Survey Deliverables
Survey Summary
Summary of the bunker attendance, vessel condition at the time of measurement and principal quantity findings.
Bunker Survey Report
Structured technical report documenting measurements, observations, calculations and relevant bunker documentation.
Quantity Reconciliation
Comparison of pre-bunkering and post-bunkering quantities with the declared bunker delivery quantity and relevant records.
Supporting Evidence
Relevant measurement records, documentary evidence, sample information and photographs where included within the agreed survey scope.
Who Needs a Bunker Survey?
Independent bunker surveys may be requested by shipowners, charterers, vessel operators, P&I interests, claims handlers, commercial stakeholders and other parties requiring independent evidence of marine fuel quantities.
Shipowners & Operators
Independent verification of bunker quantities received, remaining on board or transferred during vessel operations.
Charterers
Technical bunker quantity evidence for delivery, redelivery, on-hire and off-hire assessments.
P&I & Claims Interests
Independent technical evidence supporting investigation of bunker quantity discrepancies and related claims.
Commercial Stakeholders
Independent measurement and documentation where bunker quantities form part of a commercial transaction or dispute.
Technical Reference Standards – Bunker Survey
Bunker survey activities are conducted with reference to applicable contractual requirements, vessel documentation, recognized marine fuel practices and relevant international maritime requirements.
Independent Technical Oversight
Independent Consultancy
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services is an independent Philippine technical consultancy providing marine surveying, inspection and technical assessment services.
Technical Experience
Surveys are led by Gregory Apostologlou, Managing Director, Mechanical Engineer, Marine Technical Superintendent and authorized PHRS Surveyor.
Decision-Ready Reporting
Bunker measurements, documentation and discrepancies are presented in a structured technical format suitable for operational and commercial review.
Independent Evidence
The survey remains focused on independent measurement, documentation and technical evidence within the agreed scope of attendance.
About the Technical Author
Technical Content Review
Last Technical Review
July 2026
Review Frequency
Content is reviewed periodically to reflect applicable international maritime regulations, recognized marine fuel practices and relevant technical guidance.
Bunker Survey FAQ
What is a bunker survey?
A bunker survey is an independent technical measurement and documentation service used to establish or verify marine fuel quantities on board, quantities received during bunkering, or bunker quantities relevant to vessel delivery and redelivery.
What does a bunker survey measure?
Depending on the agreed scope, the survey may include fuel tank soundings or ullages, tank quantities, temperature information, density information, ROB quantities and reconciliation against the declared bunker delivery quantity.
Can PAMS conduct on-hire and off-hire bunker surveys?
Yes. PAMS can provide independent bunker quantity surveys for vessel delivery, redelivery, on-hire and off-hire assessments, subject to vessel location, access and the agreed attendance scope.
Does PAMS verify the Bunker Delivery Note?
Yes. Where included in the agreed scope, PAMS reviews the applicable Bunker Delivery Note and compares the declared quantity and available fuel information with the vessel's measured bunker position and supporting records.
Does PAMS take fuel samples?
PAMS may attend or coordinate representative bunker sampling and sealing arrangements where this is included in the agreed survey scope. Laboratory analysis is a separate activity and should be arranged where fuel quality testing is required.
Can a bunker survey determine fuel quality?
A bunker quantity survey does not by itself constitute chemical or laboratory fuel-quality analysis. Fuel quality disputes may require appropriate representative sampling, chain-of-custody arrangements and independent laboratory testing against the applicable specification or contractual requirements.
Can PAMS investigate bunker quantity discrepancies?
Yes. PAMS can review measurement records, tank calibration information, BDN documentation, vessel records and other available evidence to identify and document apparent bunker quantity discrepancies within the agreed technical scope.
Does the bunker survey replace laboratory fuel testing?
No. A bunker survey is primarily concerned with quantity, measurements and documentation. Laboratory fuel analysis is a separate technical process required when chemical fuel properties or specification compliance need to be established.
Engineering Reference Notice
This page describes the general scope and methodology of PAMS bunker survey services. The actual survey scope depends on vessel type, location, access, bunkering arrangement, available tank calibration information, documentation, client requirements and the agreed attendance. Quantity calculations depend on the accuracy and suitability of the available measurement and vessel documentation. A bunker survey does not constitute laboratory fuel-quality certification unless separate testing arrangements are specifically included.
Related Bunker Survey Resources
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