Tricks of the Bunker Trade: Flow meter / Pipe work Tampering

by Kaivan H. Chinoy, Petro Inspect / The Bunker Detectives
Thursday August 15, 2013

Bunker barges fitted with a flow meter should be checked for proper functioning by sighting a valid calibration certificate and ensuring the seal is intact.

There may also be unauthorised piping (by-pass lines) fitted to the flow meter running into the pump suction side and thus this un-authorised contraption will register the throughput of fuel twice through the flow meter.

Key Notes:

  • Verify flow meter seal is intact
  • Verify validity of the calibration certifcate and that it is for the same type flow meter
  • Look out for any suspicious by-pass lines running after the flow meter
  • Consult the barge piping diagram if in doubt
  • Remember whenever in doubt or have concerns always issue a letter of protest

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