Tired of Bunker Losses In Mombasa?

Bunker fuel represents the single largest operational expense for any vessel. At the Port of Mombasa, the gateway to East Africa, disputes over fuel quantity and quality can lead to significant financial losses and lengthy, complex claims. Observater provides Kenya’s leading independent bunker survey services, bringing precision, transparency, and certainty to every bunkering operation for all stakeholders: charterers, ship owners, fuel suppliers, and insurers.

Discrepancies between the delivered quantity and the bunker delivery note (BDN) are a common and costly problem in Mombasa’s busy port. 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, ensuring you only pay for what you get.

For charterers and ship owners, an accurate accounting of fuel is critical for settling charter party agreements. Our thorough 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 Mombasa, preventing disputes and ensuring a fair, evidence-based settlement. Our presence and detailed reporting protect the financial interests of all parties, providing clarity and mitigating the risk of costly claims and litigation at the Port of Mombasa and the wider Kenyan coast.

The Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) at Port of Mombasa

An independent Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) is your most effective tool against financial loss during bunkering in Kenya. 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 from the bunker barge to the receiving vessel in the Port of Mombasa.

Our Proven BQS Methodology in Mombasa

Our accredited surveyors follow a strict, internationally recognized procedure to ensure accuracy and transparency for every bunkering operation at the Port of Mombasa. This includes:

• Pre-Delivery Measurement: We conduct a full survey of both the receiving vessel and the supply barge’s tanks before bunkering commences. This involves precise gauging and temperature readings to establish a clear baseline at the Mombasa terminal.
• Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the bunkering operation, our surveyors remain on-site to monitor flow rates, check for any irregularities, and ensure proper procedures are followed by all parties.
• Post-Delivery Measurement: Upon completion, we repeat the full survey on all tanks on both vessels 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) for temperature and density to determine the final quantity delivered in metric tons. Our report provides the definitive figure for commercial settlement.

On-Hire & Off-Hire Surveys for Mombasa Charter Parties

For ship owners and charterers operating through Kenya, accurately establishing the quantity of fuel on board at the beginning and end of a charter 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 Mombasa.

The On-Hire Survey is conducted when the vessel is delivered into the charterer’s service at the Port of Mombasa. Our surveyor performs a complete audit of all fuel tanks to certify the exact quantity of fuel oil, diesel oil, and lube oils on board. This figure 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 and protecting both parties’ interests.

MARPOL Sampling & Investigative Surveys in Kenya

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

MARPOL Annex VI Bunker Sampling in Mombasa

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 in Mombasa 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, protecting owners and operators from significant fines.

Bunker Detective & 221B Surveys in Mombasa & Lamu

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 designed to manipulate fuel measurements. Our surveyors use their extensive knowledge of vessel layouts to identify potential areas of concealment in any Kenyan port, from Mombasa to Lamu. 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 in Mombasa Port

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 Mombasa, protecting both ship owners and charterers from potential claims relating to damage.

During a condition survey at the Port of Mombasa, our experienced surveyors conduct a thorough 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 such as dents, cracks, or corrosion with extensive photographic evidence. This creates a definitive baseline report at the start of a charter (On-Hire) and a comparative report at the end (Off-Hire), clearly identifying any new damages that may have occurred during the charter period. This service is indispensable for fairly assigning responsibility for repairs and mitigating costly disputes.