Tricks of the Bunker Trade: Quantity Measurements by Flow Meter Only

by Kaivan H. Chinoy, Petro Inspect / The Bunker Detectives
Thursday August 22, 2013

The barge may claim that the soundings and ullage ports have been sealed by customs, or seized, or some other reasons, and therefore force the vessel to go by the volumetric flow meter only.

Remember that this may be just the first sign of an unscrupulous barge Master, and as such, be wary of other tricks of trade.

Key Notes:

  • Never agree and go by the flow meter only fuel delivery
  • 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