Accurate fuel measurement and thorough vessel condition documentation during charter delivery and redelivery are critical to preventing financial disputes between shipowners and charterers. MP Inspection provides independent 3rd-party bunker quantity surveys (BQS), on-hire/off-hire condition inspections, and fuel sampling oversight at ports and offshore anchorages worldwide.
Key Services & Operational Scope
- Bunker Quantity Surveys (BQS)
- Precise sounding and ullage measurement of all fuel oil (HFO, VLSFO, ULSFO), marine gas oil (MGO), and lube oil tanks before and after bunkering.
- Tank temperature verification, density corrections, and volume calculations using ASTM petroleum tables.
- Sludge tank checks, stem reconciliation against bunker delivery notes (BDN), and detection of “hidden” fuel or volumetric discrepancies (cappuccino effect).
- On-Hire & Off-Hire Condition Surveys
- Comprehensive structural condition inspection of cargo holds, main decks, hatch covers, coamings, cranes, grabbers, and weather decks upon vessel delivery (On-Hire) or redelivery (Off-Hire).
- Detailed recording of pre-existing structural damage, wear and tear, indentations, paint breakdown, and cleanliness state.
- Comparison of current vessel status against previous charter delivery records to protect clients from unjust repair claims.
- MARPOL & ISO Fuel Sampling Supervision
- Representative drip sampling at the vessel bunker manifold during the entire bunkering process in compliance with ISO 3170 and MARPOL Annex VI.
- Official sealing, labeling, and distribution of samples (Vessel, Supplier, MARPOL, and Independent Testing Lab samples).
- Coordination of laboratory analysis for ISO 8217 quality compliance, water content, viscosity, flash point, and catalytic fines (cat fines).
- Charter Party Dispute Mitigation & Statement of Facts
- Issuance of official On-Hire / Off-Hire Certificates and Bunker Survey Reports immediately upon completion of operations.
- Detailed photographic logs and technical statements of facts to resolve charter party fuel or damage claims efficiently.
- Representation of shipowners, charterers, or bunker suppliers in joint survey inspections.
International Standards & Compliance
Our bunker and charter party survey protocols strictly follow international marine fuel and chartering guidelines:
- ISO 8217 (Petroleum products — Fuels / class specifications) & ISO 3170 (Petroleum liquids — Manual sampling)
- MARPOL Annex VI (Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships)
- BIMCO Standard Charter Party Survey Clauses
Why Choose MP Inspection?
| Feature | Client Benefit |
| Volumetric Fraud Prevention | Active monitoring for aerated fuel (“cappuccino bunkers”) and soundings verification. |
| Unbiased Joint Surveys | Independent reports mutually recognized by BIMCO, P&I Clubs, owners, and charterers. |
| Comprehensive Evidence Logs | High-resolution photographic records of pre-existing vessel wear to stop false repair claims. |
Request a Bunker or On/Off-Hire Survey
Protect your commercial interests during vessel chartering and bunkering operations. Contact our survey team today.