On-Hire Bunker Survey – Product Tanker
Independent bunker quantity verification before vessel delivery under charter, providing an objective technical basis for fuel reconciliation between shipowners and charterers.
On-Hire Bunker Survey – Product Tanker
Project Location
Manila, Philippines
Service
Marine Survey / On-Hire Bunker Survey
Client Type
Shipowner / Charterers
Survey Objective
Independent verification of fuel and lubricant quantities remaining onboard at charter delivery.
This case study outlines an independent on-hire bunker quantity survey conducted prior to vessel delivery under charter. The assignment focused on verifying fuel quantities onboard at handover and establishing a reliable technical record for bunker reconciliation.
Our case studies highlight real-world marine surveys, inspections, and technical assignments conducted across Philippine and international maritime operations. Each assignment demonstrates our approach, technical findings, and reporting standards in supporting operational, commercial, and insurance decisions.
Client Requirement & Challenge
The client required an independent verification of fuel quantities remaining onboard at the commencement of a charter period. Accurate bunker determination was necessary to establish a fair financial settlement between the owner and charterer and to reduce the potential for quantity disputes.
Because bunker quantities can form part of the commercial reconciliation at vessel delivery, an independently documented starting quantity provides both parties with a common technical reference.
Technical Scope & Methodology
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services attended onboard prior to vessel delivery and conducted a bunker quantity survey covering the relevant fuel, diesel oil, and lubricating oil tanks within the agreed scope.
Independent Bunker Quantity Verification
Tank Measurement
Physical tank measurements were obtained from the designated fuel, diesel oil, and lubricating oil tanks. Observed readings were recorded systematically for subsequent quantity calculations.
Measurement Verification
Relevant tank calibration information, temperature readings, density information, and vessel records were reviewed to support the determination of actual quantities remaining onboard.
ROB Calculation
Remaining On Board quantities were calculated from observed measurements and applicable vessel tank data, providing an independent technical basis for bunker reconciliation.
Documentation
Measurements, observations, calculation results, and supporting information were documented in the final survey report issued to the relevant parties.
Technical Findings
The survey established the quantities of fuel, diesel oil, and lubricants remaining onboard at the agreed time of vessel delivery. Measurements and relevant vessel information were reviewed using established marine surveying practices.
The observed data and resulting calculations were recorded to provide a clear and traceable technical record of the vessel's bunker position at charter commencement.
Technical Highlights
Project Outcome
Independent Bunker Survey Report
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services issued an independent bunker survey report documenting the verified Remaining On Board (ROB) quantities at the time of charter delivery.
The report provided an objective technical basis for commercial settlement between the contracting parties and helped minimize the potential for subsequent bunker quantity disputes.
Technical & Commercial Value of the Survey
An independent on-hire bunker survey establishes a documented starting point for the vessel's fuel position at charter commencement. This is particularly important where bunker quantities form part of the financial settlement between owners and charterers.
Accurate measurement and transparent reporting help reduce uncertainty by ensuring that both parties have access to the same independently verified technical information.
- Establishes an independent bunker quantity record at delivery
- Supports charter delivery documentation
- Supports bunker reconciliation and commercial settlement
- Reduces the potential for bunker quantity disputes
- Provides traceable technical evidence for subsequent reference
- Supports shipowners and charterers in commercial decision-making
Independent Marine Surveying
Our marine survey assignments are structured according to the vessel, operation, location, contractual requirements, available technical information, and agreed scope of attendance.
Survey findings are documented in a structured technical report to provide clients with clear information for operational, commercial, insurance, and risk-management decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions: On-Hire Bunker Surveys
What is an on-hire bunker survey?
An on-hire bunker survey is a technical verification of the fuel quantities remaining onboard at the specific time a vessel is delivered to a charterer. The survey establishes an independently documented Remaining On Board (ROB) quantity for the commencement of the charter period.
Why is an independent bunker survey important?
An independent bunker survey provides a neutral technical basis for charter delivery documentation and financial calculations. It helps reduce the potential for disputes between owners and charterers regarding bunker quantities at handover.
What technical steps are taken during the survey?
Depending on the agreed scope, surveyors perform physical tank soundings or measurements, verify applicable calibration information, record relevant temperature and density data, review vessel records, and apply appropriate measurement and calculation procedures to determine the quantities remaining onboard.
Does PAMS verify fuel, diesel oil, and lubricants?
Depending on the agreed scope, the survey can cover bunker fuel, diesel oil, and lubricating oil quantities. The relevant tanks and available vessel information are identified and assessed as part of the survey assignment.
Does PAMS document conditions affecting measurements?
Where relevant to the agreed scope, surveyors may record observations affecting the accuracy or reliability of the measurements, including tank accessibility, gauging arrangements, calibration information, and other conditions relevant to the survey findings.
How is the final bunker survey report used?
The report provides a documented record of the verified ROB quantities at vessel delivery. It can support charter delivery documentation, bunker reconciliation, commercial settlement, and the resolution or prevention of quantity disputes.
Can PAMS conduct bunker surveys at Philippine ports?
Yes. PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent marine surveying and bunker quantity verification services at Philippine ports, subject to attendance arrangements and the agreed survey scope.
Does PAMS provide international bunker survey support?
Yes. PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent marine technical consultancy and surveying support for vessels and maritime operations internationally, subject to project requirements and attendance arrangements.
Independent Marine Technical Consultancy
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent marine surveying and technical consultancy services supporting shipowners, charterers, operators, cargo interests, insurers, and other maritime stakeholders.
Our technical approach combines practical marine engineering experience, documented measurements, technical evaluation, and structured reporting to provide clients with reliable information for operational and commercial decision-making.
Case Study Reference Notice
The case study presented on this page illustrates an independent on-hire bunker quantity survey conducted before vessel delivery under charter. The actual scope of any bunker survey depends on vessel type, fuel configuration, tank arrangements, available technical information, contractual requirements, location, and the agreed scope of attendance. A bunker quantity survey does not replace statutory inspections, classification surveys, charter party requirements, or other official measurements where such requirements apply.
About the Author
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PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent on-hire and off-hire bunker surveys, bunker quantity verification, marine surveys, and technical consultancy support for charter delivery and redelivery operations.
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