Tricks of the Bunker Trade: Bunker Fuel Temperature

by Kaivan H. Chinoy, Petro Inspect / The Bunker Detectives
Wednesday December 4, 2013

Accurate temperature recording is crucial when detecting bunker fuel concealment because the same mass of bunker fuel will record a slightly different volume at different temperatures.

Verify the temperature on the surface of the sounding tape just before it is being pulled out (this may not be very accurate but will give a general idea of the average tank temperatures).

In case of unusual high temperatures reported by the chief engineer, attach a manual thermometer to the tape bobs to ascertain the exact temperature.

Investing in a good digital thermometer may be worthwhile. These can be dipped directly into the tanks through the sounding pipe.

Note the body temperature of fuel oil transfer pumps before and after the soundings/measurements to eliminate any transfer of fuel oil and / or re-inspecting engine room tanks after completing the soundings.

For this reason it is advisable to start the soundings of the tanks located on the deck and working your way to the tanks in the engine room.

About Petro Inspect and The Bunker Detectives

Bunker Detectives

Petro Inspect, previous known only as The Bunker Detectives, are a dedicated team who primarily help ship charterers' & bunker brokers deal with bunker quantity disputes (which do not fall under P&I cover for charterers'), and also offer an exclusive service to ship charterers' dealing with 'Bad' Bunker dispute claims, such as the supply of contaminated or off- specification bunkers.

The core services provided under the banner of 'Bunker Detective' are 221B Surveys (aka Bunker Detective Surveys), Bunker Stem Surveys (aka Bunker Quantity Surveys - BQS) and Charter On/Off Hire and Condition Surveys, as well as a bunker fuel concealment detection services.

About Kaivan H. Chinoy

A qualified Mercantile Marine Officer with an MSc Degree in "Technical Management of Ship Operations," prior to founding AVA Marine Kaivan spent over 15 years involved in extensive marine operations including vessel navigation, cargo handling, accident investigations, project cargo risk management, and marine cargo surveying.

To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at editor@shipandbunker.com