Tired of Bunker Losses in Cameroon?

Bunker fuel represents the single largest operational expense for any vessel. Across Cameroon’s strategic coastline—from the Port of Douala, the gateway to Central Africa, to the deep-water Port of Kribi and the oil terminal of Limbe—disputes over fuel can lead to significant financial losses. Observater provides Cameroon’s leading independent bunker survey services, bringing precision and certainty to every bunkering operation.

Discrepancies between the delivered quantity and the bunker delivery note (BDN) are a common and costly problem. Factors such as the ‘cappuccino effect’, incorrect temperature corrections, or un-declared fuel can result in the receiving vessel paying for fuel it never received. Our primary mission is to eliminate this uncertainty. By appointing an Observater surveyor, you place an impartial, expert professional on board to verify the exact quantity transferred.

For charterers and ship owners, an accurate accounting of fuel is critical for settling charter party agreements. Our On-Hire and Off-Hire surveys provide a definitive, independent record of the fuel on board at the start and end of a charter in Douala, Kribi, or Limbe. Our presence and detailed reporting protect the financial interests of all parties, providing clarity and mitigating the risk of costly claims.

The Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) in Cameroon

An independent Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) is your most effective tool against financial loss during bunkering in Cameroon. It is a detailed process of measurement and calculation performed by our experienced surveyors before, during, and after the fuel delivery.

Our sole objective is to provide an accurate, impartial determination of the exact quantity of fuel transferred, whether you are bunkering at the Port of Douala, Kribi, or Limbe.

Our Proven BQS Methodology

Our accredited surveyors follow a strict, internationally recognized procedure to ensure accuracy and transparency for every operation. This includes:

• Pre-Delivery Measurement: We conduct a full survey of all tanks on both the receiving vessel and the supply barge before bunkering commences to establish a clear baseline.
• Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the bunkering operation, our surveyors remain on-site to monitor flow rates, check for irregularities, and ensure proper procedures are followed.
• Post-Delivery Measurement: Upon completion, we repeat the full survey on all tanks to determine the final quantities.
• Accurate Calculation: Using the collected data, we perform detailed calculations according to established API/ASTM standards, applying correct volume correction factors (VCF) to determine the final quantity delivered in metric tons.

On-Hire & Off-Hire Surveys for Cameroonian Ports

For ship owners and charterers operating through Cameroon, accurately establishing the quantity of fuel on board is essential for fair financial settlement. Observater’s On-Hire and Off-Hire Bunker Surveys provide the trusted, third-party verification needed to prevent disputes in Douala, Kribi, and Limbe.

The On-Hire Survey is conducted when the vessel is delivered into the charterer’s service. Our surveyor performs a complete audit of all fuel tanks to certify the exact quantity on board, which forms the basis of the charter agreement.

The Off-Hire Survey is repeated when the vessel is redelivered to the owner, providing a final, certified quantity. The difference between these two reports allows for a precise, undisputed calculation of fuel consumed, ensuring the charterer is billed correctly.

Let Us Help You with Bunker Loss Prevention

Preventing bunker loss is not about one single action, but a comprehensive strategy. At Observater, we provide a suite of services designed to protect your assets at every stage of the bunkering process in Cameroon. Our presence ensures transparency and accountability, saving you from costly disputes and financial losses.

Our core Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) provides the fundamental proof of delivery, but our protection goes further. On-Hire and Off-Hire Surveys are essential for fair charter party agreements, while regular ROB (Remaining on Board) checks provide a clear inventory of your assets. In cases of suspected foul play, our Bunker Investigative Surveys (BIS) are your ultimate tool for fraud detection, uncovering hidden tanks and illegal piping to provide the hard evidence you need to take action. By combining these services, you create a powerful defense against both accidental loss and deliberate theft.

MARPOL Sampling & Investigative Surveys

Beyond quantity, fuel quality and compliance are paramount. Observater provides critical services in Cameroon’s ports to protect you from regulatory penalties and uncover hidden discrepancies.

MARPOL Annex VI Bunker Sampling

Adherence to international environmental regulations is non-negotiable. Our surveyors are fully trained in the correct procedures for drawing representative fuel samples during bunkering, as stipulated by MARPOL Annex VI.

We witness the collection of the primary sample and ensure it is properly sealed and labeled. This provides the vessel with the official, legally representative sample required by port state control authorities to demonstrate fuel compliance.

Bunker Detective & 221B Surveys

When fuel consumption seems unusually high or you suspect irregularities, our investigative surveys provide answers. A Bunker Detective Survey is an in-depth, invasive search for un-declared or “hidden” fuel tanks and concealed piping arrangements.

Our surveyors use their extensive knowledge of vessel layouts to identify potential areas of concealment in any Cameroonian port. This service is invaluable for charterers or new owners suspecting foul play and provides the hard evidence needed to confront and resolve such issues.

On/Off-Hire Condition Surveys

Beyond the fuel on board, the physical condition of the vessel itself is a critical component of any charter party agreement. An Observater On-Hire or Off-Hire Condition Survey provides an impartial, detailed record of the vessel’s state in Douala, Kribi, or Limbe, protecting both ship owners and charterers from potential claims relating to damage.

During a condition survey, our experienced surveyors conduct a visual inspection of the vessel’s cargo-related areas, including holds, hatch covers, decks, and cargo gear. We document the structural integrity and cleanliness of these areas, noting any pre-existing damages with extensive photographic evidence.

This creates a definitive baseline report at the start of a charter and a comparative report at the end, clearly identifying any new damages that may have occurred during the charter period. This service is indispensable for fairly assigning responsibility for repairs.