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PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services Ship Inspections
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services
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On-Hire Bunker Survey – Product Tanker

Independent bunker quantity verification before vessel delivery under charter.

Location: Manila, Philippines  
Service: Marine Survey / On/Hire Bunker Survey  
Client Type: Shipowner / Charterers
Our case studies highlight real-world marine surveys, inspections, and audits conducted across Philippine and international ports.
Each assignment demonstrates our approach, technical findings, and reporting standards in supporting operational, commercial, and insurance decisions.
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services attended the matter promptly, documented relevant findings, and issued a structured report to support the client’s technical, commercial, and insurance decision-making.
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 protecting the commercial position of all parties at charter commencement.
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 prevent potential quantity disputes.
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services attended onboard prior to vessel delivery and conducted a comprehensive bunker quantity survey, including:
 ● Physical sounding of bunker, diesel oil, and lubricating oil tanks.
 ● Verification of tank calibration tables.
 ● Measurement of product temperatures and densities.
 ● Calculation of Remaining On Board (ROB) quantities.
 ● Cross-checking vessel records against observed quantities.
 ● Photographic documentation of relevant measurements and tank data.
The survey established the quantities of fuel, diesel oil, and lubricants remaining onboard at the time of delivery. All measurements were independently verified using approved surveying practices and recorded for inclusion in the final report.
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services issued an independent bunker survey report documenting verified Remaining On Board (ROB) quantities at the time of charter delivery. The report provided an objective basis for commercial settlement between the contracting parties and minimized the potential for subsequent bunker quantity disputes.
 ● Remaining On Board (ROB) calculations.
  ● Tank sounding verification.
  ● Density and temperature corrections.
  ● Calibration table validation.
  ● Independent charter delivery documentation.
  ● Photographic evidence and measurement records.
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services Case Study On Hire Bunker Survey
On-Hire Bunker Survey
Independent verification of bunker quantities onboard at vessel delivery, providing an objective basis for charter party fuel settlement calculations.

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 exact fuel quantities (HFO, MDO, LSMGO) remaining onboard at the specific moment a vessel is delivered to a charterer.

Why is an independent bunker survey important?

It provides a neutral, third-party basis for financial calculations. This prevents costly disputes between owners and charterers regarding bunker consumption and delivery quantities.

What technical steps are taken during the survey?

Our surveyors perform physical tank soundings, verify temperature readings, review vessel calibration tables, and apply density corrections to ensure 100% accuracy in the final report.

Does PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services document the vessel's condition as well?

Yes. While the primary objective is bunker quantity verification, surveyors may record observations affecting the accuracy of measurements, including tank accessibility, gauging arrangements, and any conditions relevant to the survey findings.

About the Author

Gregory Apostologlou is the Managing Director of PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services. With more than 26 years of international maritime experience as a Marine Technical Superintendent and authorized PHRS Surveyor, he specializes in marine surveying, FPSO/SPM technical engineering, marine risk assessment, vessel inspections, and maritime regulatory compliance.

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