Services
Barge and Bunker Quantity Survey
When bunkering vessels, it is essential to measure the exact quantity of fuel transferred. Our BQS service provides a detailed and reliable inspection of oil bunkering.
Our Barge and Bunker Quantity Survey service provides a detailed and reliable inspection of oil bunkering, carefully gauging both the barge tanks and the receiving vessels.
Our experts first prepare the sampling equipment to ISO 13739 and ensure the sample is collected correctly: as a manual drip sample at the barge manifold or bunker connection, or via the Mass Flow Meter (MFM) when the bunker barge is fitted with one. Before the operation begins, a document known as the requisition is signed by the receiving vessel, confirming the quantity, quality and required pumping rate.
Bunkering starts at a slow rate to check for any leaks and to ensure the oil reaches the correct destination. The rate is then increased for optimal transfer and slowed towards completion. Once the transfer is finished, air is used to move any remaining oil in the lines, or gravity to let oil run back to the vessel.
Our experts take a final manual measurement on both the bunker vessel and the receiving vessel, or check the closing reading of the MFM totalizer. These measurements are then used to calculate the exact quantity of oil delivered. Any differences between the supplied and received quantities are flagged and thoroughly investigated.
Afterwards, we check the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) for completeness under MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix V, and support the master in filing a Letter of Protest (LoP) where there are discrepancies or shortcomings.
What our BQS service includes
- Measurement of bunker tanks and receiving vessels, before and after delivery
- Sampling of bunker fuels to ISO 13739 (manual drip sample or via the MFM installation)
- Quantity determination based on density and temperature, or verification of the MFM measurement to ISO 22192
- Detailed bunker survey reports (timesheet)
- Verification of the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) and support in filing a Letter of Protest (LoP)
More inspections
Broader maritime inspection work
Besides the bunker survey, we carry out a wide range of maritime inspections. Ask about the options for your specific situation.
Draft surveys
Determining loaded or discharged quantities from the vessel's draft.
Damage assessments
Independent assessment and documentation of damage to vessel or cargo.
Cargo inspections
Checking and inspecting cargo in the major seaports.
Frameworks & standards
Aligned with the bunkering procedure for seagoing vessels
Our way of working follows the ILT (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) bunkering procedure for seagoing vessels. The standards and documents below form that framework.
MARPOL Annex VI, regulations 14 & 18.3
Limits on sulphur content and other quality requirements for marine fuels.
SOLAS II-2/4
Flashpoint requirements for bunker fuels.
ISO 8217:2024
Classification and quality requirements for marine fuels.
ISO 13739
Recommended practice for bunkering and sampling, to prevent disputes.
MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.18
IMO guidelines for representative sampling.
ADN
Rules for the carriage of dangerous goods on inland waterways, including open and closed measuring.
ISO 22192
Standard for Mass Flow Metering (MFM) systems used in bunker deliveries.
Documents we also check
- Bunker Delivery Note (BDN), under MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix V
- Letter of Protest (LoP) in case of discrepancies or shortcomings
- At least three sealed sub-samples to ISO 13739 (supplier, receiver, retention)
This approach follows the ILT bunkering procedure for seagoing vessels.
View the ILT bunkering procedureFeatured
Mass Flow Meter (MFM) surveys
More and more bunker deliveries are measured with a Mass Flow Meter. Read how we check the documentation, sealing and procedure around the MFM.