Bunker survey

Measurement of the quantity, and sometimes quality, of bunkers on board, taken at delivery and redelivery under a time charter and at every stem. A bunker surveyor gauges each tank by sounding or ullage, applies temperature and density corrections, and computes the remaining-on-board figure that settles the hire-account bunker adjustment. Disputes over a few tonnes at high fuel prices make the bunker survey a routine commercial flashpoint at charter handover.