Bunkering Inspection Survey (BQS)

Introduction

The Bunkering Inspection Survey (BQS) provided by Seachios® Marine Services is a specialized service focused on the verification and inspection of fuel transfer operations between bunker suppliers and receiving vessels. This documentation details the technical procedures, calculations, and compliance requirements of the BQS service, catering to clients and stakeholders seeking in-depth operational information.

Overview

The Bunkering Inspection Survey (BQS) by Seachios® Marine Services focuses on independent verification of bunker quantities and quality during fuel transfer operations. Our certified marine surveyors utilize precise technical methodologies and calculations to ensure compliance with international maritime regulations, protecting clients' interests and promoting operational integrity.

Service Features

Regulatory Compliance

Our BQS service ensures strict adherence to international regulations and standards:

• MARPOL Annex VI: Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships.

• ISO 8217: Specifications of marine fuels.

• IMO Resolution MEPC.182(59): Guidelines for the sampling of fuel oil for determination of compliance with MARPOL Annex VI.

• API MPMS (Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards): Standards for accurate quantity measurements.

• BIMCO Bunker Terms 2018: Standard contracts and terms for bunker purchases.

Compliance with these standards minimizes legal risks and ensures that fuel deliveries meet contractual and regulatory requirements.

Certified Marine Surveyors

Our team of certified marine surveyors is responsible for:

• Pre-Transfer Inspection:

  • Verification of bunker barge calibration tables.

  • Examination of measuring equipment calibration certificates.

  • Review of bunker delivery notes (BDNs) and related documents.

• On-Site Monitoring:

  • Supervision of hose connection procedures to prevent contamination.

  • Monitoring flow rates and transfer pressures to detect anomalies.

  • Ensuring adherence to safety protocols per ISGOTT standards.

• Quantity and Quality Verification:

  • Accurate tank measurements using ullage tapes and thermometers.

  • Calculation of volume corrections for temperature and density.

• Sampling and Testing:

  • Collection of representative samples using drip samplers.

  • Immediate testing for density, viscosity, and water content.

Their expertise guarantees that all aspects of the bunkering operation meet the highest industry standards.

Quantity Measurement Verification

Accurate verification of fuel quantities includes:

• Tank Sounding and Gauging:

  • Before and After Transfer: Measuring the ullage or innage (distance from the liquid surface to a fixed reference point) in each tank.

  • Equipment Used: Certified innage tapes, ullage tapes, and portable electronic gauging devices.

• Temperature Measurement:

  • Using precision thermometers (accurate to ±0.1°C) inserted at three levels: top, middle, and bottom of the tank.

  • Calculating the average temperature for volume correction.

• Density Determination:

  • On-Site Testing: Utilizing hydrometers and thermometers per ASTM D1298.

  • Laboratory Analysis: Confirming density at 15°C per ISO 3675 or ISO 12185.

• Calculation of Delivered Quantities:

  • Gross Observed Volume (GOV): Volume measured at observed temperature.

  • Gross Standard Volume (GSV): GOV corrected to standard temperature (15°C) using API Tables 54B or ASTM D1250 Volume Correction Factors (VCF).

    GSV = GOV × VCF

  • Metric Tons Calculation:

    Mass (MT) = GSV × Density at 15°C

• Example Calculation:

  • GOV: 1,000 m³ at 35°C.

  • Density at 15°C: 0.9900 kg/L.

  • VCF (from API Table 54B): 0.9820.

  • GSV:

    GSV = 1,000 m³ × 0.9820 = 982 m³

  • Mass:

    Mass = 982 m³ × 0.9900 kg/L = 972,180 kg = 972.18 MT

This process ensures transparency and accuracy in fuel transactions.

Fuel Quality Assessment

Ensuring fuel quality involves:

• Compliance with ISO 8217:

  • Viscosity Measurement: Using ASTM D445 to ensure viscosity is within specified limits (e.g., RMG 380 with max 380 cSt at 50°C).

  • Sulfur Content: Testing per ASTM D4294 to confirm compliance with MARPOL limits (e.g., max 0.50% m/m sulfur content).

  • Water Content: Determined using ASTM D95 or ASTM D6304, with maximum limits per ISO 8217 (e.g., max 0.5% v/v for residual fuels).

• Visual Inspection:

  • Clear and Bright Test: Observing a fuel sample in a clear glass container under good lighting to detect water or sediment.

  • Color Assessment: Comparing fuel color to standard color scales for initial quality indication.

• Density and Viscosity Measurements:

  • Density: Critical for accurate mass calculations and engine performance.

  • Viscosity: Affects fuel handling and combustion efficiency.

Quality assessment safeguards against engine damage and operational issues due to substandard fuel.

Sampling Procedures

Our sampling procedures adhere to international guidelines:

• Continuous Drip Sampling:

  • Equipment: Use of a fully automatic sampler or a manual drip sampler installed at the bunker manifold.

  • Sampling Method: Collecting a continuous drip sample proportional to the flow rate throughout the entire bunkering operation.

• Sample Handling:

  • Sample Containers: Clean, dry, and opaque containers (usually 1-liter capacity) per IMO guidelines.

  • Sealing and Labeling: Each sample is sealed with a unique tamper-proof seal and labeled with details including date, location, vessel name, supplier, and seal number.

• Sample Distribution:

  • MARPOL Sample: Retained onboard for at least 12 months per MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 18.

  • Vessel's Sample: Provided to the receiving vessel for onboard analysis.

  • Supplier's Sample: Retained by the bunker supplier.

  • Surveyor's Sample: Held by Seachios® Marine Services for independent analysis if required.

Proper sampling is crucial for quality verification and compliance.

Documentation and Reporting

Comprehensive documentation includes:

• Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) Verification:

  • Ensuring the BDN contains all required information per MARPOL Annex VI, including:

    • Name and IMO number of receiving ship.

    • Port of bunkering.

    • Date of commencement of delivery.

    • Product name(s).

    • Quantity in metric tons.

    • Density at 15°C (kg/m³).

    • Sulfur content (% m/m).

• Survey Report:

  • Detailed report containing:

    • Measurement records before and after bunkering.

    • Calculation sheets with step-by-step computations.

    • Observations during the operation, including any discrepancies or delays.

    • Photographic evidence if applicable.

• Certificates of Quantity and Quality:

  • Official documents certifying:

    • Delivered quantity in metric tons.

    • Fuel quality parameters based on on-site tests and laboratory analysis.

• Real-Time Reporting:

  • Immediate access to reports via our OperationsLog™ platform.

  • Data Security: All digital documents are secured with encryption and digital signatures.

Documentation ensures transparency and serves as an official record for all parties involved.

OperationsLog™ Platform

Our proprietary OperationsLog™ platform enhances transparency and client engagement:

• Real-Time Data Access:

  • Live Monitoring: Clients can monitor key parameters such as transfer rates, cumulative volumes, and operation timelines.

  • Alert Notifications: Immediate alerts for any deviations from agreed procedures or parameters.

• Secure Data Storage:

  • Encryption: All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.

  • Access Control: Multi-factor authentication and role-based access ensure only authorized personnel can view sensitive information.

• User-Friendly Interface:

  • Dashboard Views: Customizable dashboards display essential data and KPIs.

  • Report Generation: Automated generation of standardized reports in PDF and Excel formats.

• Historical Data Retrieval:

  • Data Retention: All operational data and reports are archived for a minimum of five years.

  • Audit Trail: Complete logs of all activities and data access for compliance audits.

The platform provides clients with immediate insights into their bunkering operations.

Service Coverage

Seachios® Marine Services offers BQS services across major Brazilian ports:

• Port of Santos

• Port of Rio de Janeiro

• Port of Paranaguá

• Port of Itaguaí

• Port of Vitória

• Port of São Sebastião

• Port of Suape

• Port of Manaus

• Port of Itaqui

• Port of Fortaleza

Our extensive coverage ensures consistent service quality nationwide.

Contact Information

For service inquiries or to request a Bunkering Inspection Survey (BQS):

• Email: contact@seachiosbrazil.com

• Phone: +55 (13) 99690-9290

• Website: www.seachiosbrazil.com

Appendices

Regulatory References

• MARPOL Annex VI: International Maritime Organization

• ISO 8217: Petroleum products — Fuels (class F) — Specifications of marine fuels.

• IMO MEPC.182(59): Guidelines for the sampling of fuel oil.

• API MPMS: American Petroleum Institute Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards.

• BIMCO Bunker Terms 2018: Standard terms and conditions for the sale and purchase of marine fuels.

Abbreviations

• BQS: Bunkering Inspection Survey

• BDN: Bunker Delivery Note

• IMO: International Maritime Organization

• MARPOL: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

• ISO: International Organization for Standardization

• API: American Petroleum Institute

• BIMCO: Baltic and International Maritime Council

• GOV: Gross Observed Volume

• GSV: Gross Standard Volume

• VCF: Volume Correction Factor

• MT: Metric Tons

• cSt: Centistokes (unit of kinematic viscosity)

Calculation Examples

Example 1: Volume Correction Factor (VCF) Calculation

• Observed Temperature: 35°C

• Product: Fuel Oil with density at 15°C of 0.9900 kg/L

Using ASTM D1250 / API MPMS Chapter 11.1 for Volume Correction Factor:

1. Find VCF for 35°C and density of 0.9900 kg/L.

2. VCF ≈ 0.9820 (from standard tables or software)

Example 2: Mass Calculation

Given:

• GOV: 1,000 m³ at 35°C

• VCF: 0.9820

• Density at 15°C: 0.9900 kg/L

Calculations:

1. GSV:

   GSV = GOV × VCF
   GSV = 1,000 m³ × 0.9820 = 982 m³

2. Mass in Metric Tons:

   Mass = GSV × Density at 15°C
   Mass = 982 m³ × 0.9900 kg/L = 972,180 kg
   Mass = 972,180 kg ÷ 1,000 = 972.18 MT

Revision History

• Version 1.2:

  • Removed LaTeX calculations and simplified them in code blocks.

  • Ensured compatibility with platforms that do not support LaTeX.

• Version 1.1:

  • Added detailed technical data and calculation examples.

  • Included specific regulatory references and standards.

• Version 1.0:

  • Initial release.

© 2023 Seachios® Marine Services. All rights reserved.

This documentation is intended for clients and stakeholders requiring detailed information about our Bunkering Inspection Survey (BQS) service. For technical support or additional queries, please contact our support team.