NSM provides independent measurement and reporting of bunker fuel delivery. We ensure the quantity received matches the bunker delivery note (BDN), protecting you against short-delivery and "cappuccino" effects
In the modern maritime industry, fuel is not just a commodity; it is the single most significant operational cost for shipowners and charterers, often accounting for more than 50% of a vessel's total operating expenses. Given the high financial stakes involved in every bunkering operation, the margin for error - or manipulation - is razor-thin. A Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) is the essential independent audit required to ensure that the quantity of fuel oil purchased is precisely the quantity delivered.
At North Surveying & Management B.V. (NSM), we provide specialized BQS services designed to bring absolute transparency to the bunkering process. Our role is to act as an impartial third party, protecting our clients from the various technical and commercial discrepancies that can lead to significant financial loss.
The bunkering process is notoriously susceptible to "paper losses" and physical measurement errors. Discrepancies between the barge’s figures and the vessel’s received figures are common, but without professional intervention, the shipowner is often at a disadvantage. Our surveyors are trained to identify and mitigate these risks in real-time.
One of the most frequent challenges we encounter is the "Cappuccino Effect." This occurs when air is intentionally or unintentionally injected into the fuel during delivery, causing the fuel to foam and appear to occupy a larger volume than it actually does. By the time the air settles out of the fuel, the barge has departed, and the vessel is left with a physical shortage. NSM surveyors utilize specialized "striking" and "settling" measurement techniques to detect entrapped air and ensure that the final calculations reflect the true, net volume of the fuel.
In a competitive market where every ton of fuel counts, NSM’s BQS service provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your interests are being guarded by experts. We don't just measure fuel; we manage risk and ensure that your maritime operations are built on a foundation of maritime certainty.
The culmination of our survey is the Bunker Survey Report. This document is a detailed record of every measurement, calculation, and observation made during the operation. If a significant discrepancy is found, our surveyor immediately issues a Letter of Protest (LOP) to all involved parties. This letter serves as a formal, legal notification of the shortage and is a vital piece of evidence for any subsequent commercial claims or legal proceedings.
When NSM is appointed for a Bunker Quantity Survey, we follow a rigorous, standardized protocol that aligns with international ISO 13739 standards and local port authority regulations. Our process includes: