On/Off Hire Bunker Survey

An on/off-hire bunker survey is a thorough inspection performed at the start (on-hire) and end (off-hire) of a vessel’s charter to determine the precise amount of fuel and lubricants on board.

Its primary purpose is to ensure fair financial settlement between the owner and the charterer by accurately recording the quantity of “bunkers” (fuel) at the time of delivery and redelivery.

This helps prevent disputes over fuel consumption during the charter period.

Why is an independent bunker survey critical for Charterers and Owners?

Fuel (bunkers) is often the single largest expense in a voyage. An independent survey ensures that the Remaining On Board (ROB) quantities are certified impartially. This prevents the Charterer from paying for fuel they didn’t receive at delivery, or the Owner from being under-compensated for fuel left on board at redelivery, ensuring a fair financial reconciliation.

How do you ensure the accuracy of the fuel quantity calculation?

We do not rely solely on the vessel’s gauges. Our surveyors perform manual tank soundings using calibrated tapes and measure the fuel temperature. We then apply the appropriate density and temperature corrections (using ASTM tables) to convert the observed volume into weight (metric tonnes), ensuring the figures are scientifically accurate.

What is the difference between On-Hire and Off-Hire surveys?

The On-Hire survey takes place when the vessel is delivered to the charterer (start of the lease) to establish the initial fuel stock. The Off-Hire survey occurs just before the vessel is returned to the owner (end of the lease). Comparing these two certified reports allows both parties to calculate the exact fuel consumed and settle the final accounts.