Marine
What is a bunker survey?
A plain-language explanation of bunker surveys and why fuel quantity verification may matter.
Updated 2026-08-20 / 4 min read
Bunkers are the fuel carried or used by a vessel. A bunker survey helps establish fuel quantity information at a point in time, usually for a commercial, operational or dispute-related purpose.
Why bunker quantities matter
Fuel quantity can affect charter handovers, delivery or redelivery discussions, operational planning and quantity disputes. Independent attendance may help create a clearer record of the information available at the time.
When a survey may be requested
- Before or after charter.
- At delivery, redelivery or handover.
- When bunker quantity is disputed.
- When an appointing party wants independent attendance for a transaction or operation.
What information may be examined
- Relevant vessel records made available.
- Tank or measurement information within the instructed scope.
- Times, location and parties present during attendance.
- Operational conditions that may affect review.
Operational note
Exact procedure depends on the vessel, instruction, access and practitioner-approved methodology.
What the survey helps establish
A bunker survey may help establish quantity information and a field record for review. It should not be treated as a guarantee of outcome or a substitute for contractual interpretation.
What the appointing party should provide
- Vessel name and location.
- Attendance timing and access arrangements.
- Specific bunker instructions or dispute background.
- Relevant contact details onboard or ashore.
Ocean Intelligence provides general informational guidance. Specific circumstances may require professional, contractual, legal or insurance advice.
Related Intelligence
Continue from here.
Ocean Intelligence
When to appoint an independent marine surveyor
Situations where independent attendance may help establish a clearer factual record.
Ocean Intelligence
Which survey do I actually need?
A lightweight decision guide for mapping common maritime and cargo situations to possible Fathom Pulse services.
Ocean Intelligence