Vals Marine Completes Off-Hire Bunker and Hold Condition Survey at Marghera Port

Vals Marine Survey Company recently attended an M/V at Marghera Port, Italy, on behalf of the Charterers, in connection with an Off-Hire Bunker and Hold Condition Survey.
The attendance covered both the vessel’s overall condition and the verification of onboard bunker quantities. As part of the hold condition survey, our attending surveyors carried out a detailed inspection of the cargo holds and relevant accessible areas of the vessel, supported by comprehensive photographic documentation. The condition of the holds and vessel’s relevant areas was recorded systematically to provide a clear evidential record for the Charterers.
Following the condition inspection, a detailed bunker survey was conducted onboard in cooperation with the vessel’s Chief Engineer and relevant shipboard personnel. Physical measurements were taken and the available bunker documentation, including the vessel’s records and logbook figures, was reviewed.

During the reconciliation of the measured quantities against the vessel’s recorded figures, our survey team identified an apparent difference of approximately 2.376 LSMGO / 17.693 metric tonnes of bunker fuel in excess of the quantity indicated by the vessel’s logbook records.

Bunker discrepancies of this nature can have direct commercial implications during an off-hire period. For this reason, it is essential that the surveyor does not rely solely on documentary figures, but carefully combines physical measurements, tank quantities, density information, vessel records and operational data before reaching a conclusion.
During the finalisation of the survey documentation, the findings were discussed onboard with the vessel’s Master. While reservations were initially raised from the vessel’s side, the measurements, calculations and supporting evidence were reviewed and clearly presented. Through a structured and technically supported approach, the survey findings were ultimately documented and the relevant survey documentation was duly signed onboard.
This type of situation demonstrates the importance of having an experienced marine surveyor who can manage not only the technical aspects of a survey, but also the practical challenges that may arise during the finalisation of evidence and documentation.

At Vals Marine Survey Company, our approach is based on accurate measurements, proper evidence collection, sound technical judgement and experienced communication with all parties involved.
In challenging survey situations, the ability to interpret the evidence correctly and manage the process professionally can be just as important as taking the measurements themselves.
Under the consultancy and professional guidance of Baturalp Alkan, Vals Marine provides marine surveying consultancy, professional guidance and training designed to help surveyors and maritime professionals improve their technical knowledge, reporting capabilities and practical decision-making skills.

If you require professional support with Off-Hire Surveys, Bunker Surveys, Hold Condition Surveys, Cargo Surveys, P&I Surveys or Marine Surveyor Training and Consultancy, please feel free to contact Vals Marine Survey Company.