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 Bunker Detective Surveys – Protecting Your Bottom Line

With marine fuel being one of the most significant operational costs for charterers, knowing the exact bunker quantity onboard at the time of fuel delivery is absolutely critical. Unfortunately, concealed fuel practices remain a persistent issue in the industry, leading to substantial financial losses.

At Bashan & Gilead Marine Services (BGMS), our Bunker Detective Surveys are conducted by experienced and highly trained surveyors skilled in uncovering hidden or misreported fuel quantities onboard vessels.

Our approach combines technical know-how, investigative techniques, and meticulous documentation to provide transparent, reliable, and credible reports that our clients can trust.

There are numerous techniques used to conceal fuel onboard. Our surveyors are trained to detect:
 

• Hidden compartments or tanks
   
• Use of ‘magic pipes’
   
• Altered or extended sounding pipe lengths
   
• Non-class approved or tampered sounding tables
   
• Improperly calibrated sounding tapes
   
• Manipulated or doctored fuel gauges
   

In the context of bunker concealment, a “magic pipe” is a fabricated device inserted into the tank’s sounding pipe to give a false sounding. The bottom of this pipe is sealed, and it is pushed through the fuel to the tank bottom. When sounding is done, the reading falsely indicates an empty or partially filled tank—even though fuel is present.

These devices can be hard to detect without trained eyes and detailed inspection.

Note: The term “magic pipe” is also used for illegal discharges involving bypassing the Oily Water Separator (OWS), which is a criminal offense under MARPOL regulations. The use of magic pipes for bunker concealment, while unethical, differs in nature but still carries serious commercial consequences.

Even small discrepancies can lead to significant financial losses for charterers. For example:

• Concealing 5 MT of LSMGO at USD $600/MT = $3,000
   
• Concealing 10 MT of VLSFO at USD $500/MT = $5,000
  Total loss: $8,000
   

These are modest examples. In actual cases:

• Findings over 15 MT are common
   
• We have uncovered up to 40 MT regularly
   
• Our largest recorded case exceeded 128 MT, representing losses of over $64,800
   

• Specialized knowledge in fuel concealment detection
   
• Unbiased and transparent reporting
   
• Full compliance with industry standards
   
• Cost savings through detection of fraudulent practices
   
• Reputation protection through responsible bunkering oversight
   

Ensure you're getting the fuel you pay for.
Trust Bashan & Gilead Marine Services to protect your interests at every drop.