Bunker Surveys in East Africa: A 510+ Vessel Study

Independent bunker quantity assurance across Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and the wider African region.

Marine fuel is one of the most valuable consumables carried aboard a vessel. A relatively small difference between the quantity declared, physically measured, delivered or remaining on board can materially affect bunker settlements, charter-party accounts, voyage results, supplier reconciliation and subsequent claims.

A bunker survey is therefore more than a set of tank soundings. It is an independent reconciliation of physical quantities, vessel condition, fuel grades, temperature, density, trim, list, tank calibration data, transfers, consumption and documentary evidence at a defined commercial or operational time.

Regional Coverage

While our expertise spans the continent—including Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, South Africa, and beyond—this publication draws on our concentrated operational experience in East Africa, covering:

• Djibouti Port and Doraleh;
• Mombasa, Kenya;
• Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara in Tanzania; and
• Nacala, Beira, Pemba and Maputo in Mozambique.

This publication draws on multi-year operational experience and an anonymized Observater review involving more than 510 vessels. It examines how independent bunker measurements can support commercial settlements while also providing valuable information about vessel consumption, hull condition, maintenance scheduling, machinery reliability and documentary control.

What does an independent bunker survey establish?

A properly conducted bunker survey establishes or verifies the quantity of marine fuel physically present aboard a vessel or transferred during a bunkering operation.

Depending on the appointment, the survey may include bunker quantity surveys, delivery verification, on/off-hire ROB, sampling, and performance reviews. Where measurements, records, or operational events do not reconcile, the survey provides an independent evidence trail for further review.