Bunker Quantity Survey

BES Africa provides reliable, independent Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) services at all major Moroccan ports and across African maritime hubs. Our certified surveyors determine the exact quantity of marine fuel oil delivered to or received by a vessel, protecting shipowners, charterers, and bunker suppliers from the costly disputes that arise when figures do not agree. As an IBIA member, BES Africa adheres to the highest standards of bunker surveying practice — we combine deep technical expertise with a fully integrated management system certified to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO 14001:2015 (Environment), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety) to deliver results you can trust.

➜ Go check certificate: View our ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015, and 45001:2018 certificates here

What Our Bunker Quantity Survey Includes

• Pre-Bunkering Tank Survey — Before bunker delivery begins, our surveyor conducts a full survey of all fuel tanks on board — measuring ullages or soundings in each tank, recording temperatures, and calculating the volume and mass of fuel on board (ROB — Remaining on Board). This establishes the precise baseline against which the delivery quantity will be measured.
• Bunker Delivery Monitoring — Our surveyor remains present and attentive throughout the entire bunkering operation, monitoring the fuel transfer, observing for any anomalies, and noting all relevant operational details including delivery rate, temperature, and any interruptions or irregularities.
• Post-Bunkering Tank Survey — Following completion of the delivery, all tanks are re-surveyed using the same measurement methodology as the pre-bunkering survey. The difference in calculated volumes — corrected to 15°C using ASTM density/temperature correction tables — gives the net delivered quantity.
• ROB (Remaining on Board) Verification — We provide full documentation of fuel quantities remaining on board both before and after bunkering, which is critical for charter party fuel cost settlement and dispute avoidance between shipowner and charterer.
• Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) Review — We review the Bunker Delivery Note issued by the supplier and compare all figures against our independent measurements, noting any discrepancies for inclusion in the survey report.
• Comprehensive Survey Report — A detailed BQS report is prepared and issued to all nominated parties, documenting all tank measurements, temperature readings, density applications, volume corrections, and the independently determined delivered quantity.

Why an Independent Bunker Quantity Survey Is Essential

Bunker quantity disputes are among the most common — and costly — issues in the shipping industry. When the vessel’s figures, the barge figures, and the terminal figures all disagree, the only resolution is an independent measurement by a qualified, neutral surveyor. Without an independent BQS, a shipowner or charterer has no defensible evidence to support a quantity claim. BES Africa bunker survey reports provide that evidence — prepared under our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system, by IBIA-affiliated surveyors, following ASTM measurement and calculation standards. Our reports are accepted by P&I Clubs, charterers, shipowners, and marine fuel traders worldwide.

Industries We Serve

• Shipowners and ship management companies
• Charterers (time and voyage)
• Bunker fuel suppliers and traders
• Marine fuel barge operators
• P&I Clubs and marine insurers
• Port agents and ship brokers

Our Bunker Quantity Survey Process

1. Pre-bunkering preparation — Review of vessel tank plans, calibration tables, and agreed measurement procedures before survey commences.
2. Pre-bunkering tank survey — Full measurement of all relevant tanks to establish ROB and baseline figures.
3. Delivery monitoring — Continuous attendance throughout the bunkering operation.
4. Post-bunkering tank survey — Full re-measurement of all relevant tanks after delivery is complete.
5. Calculation and reporting — All volume and mass calculations performed using ASTM correction tables, with the completed BQS report issued promptly to all parties.

Coverage — Morocco and African Ports

BES Africa bunker quantity survey services are available at Tangier-Med, Casablanca, Mohammadia, Jorf Lasfar, Safi, Agadir, and Nador in Morocco, and across key African bunkering ports. We operate 24/7 every day of the year — vessels do not wait for business hours.