Do you know that a proper bunker survey can save you thousands of dollars?

First, let’s understand what happens during a bunker survey

In a typical case, a bunker surveyor will board the ship, supervise bunkering operation, take soundings of bunker tanks, carry out bunker calculations and compare his figures with Chief Engineer and bunker barge.

Many a times, they will find that there is a difference between bunker barge supplied and vessel received quantities.

Of course, you know this already, right?

But what most ship owners may not realize is that the expertise of a bunker surveyor lies in how they handle such discrepancies

You see….

Discrepancies may arise from various factors such as incorrect soundings of tank (weather conditions), bunker density, temperature or actual short supplies.

That’s where a good bunker surveyor steps in and identifies the cause of such differences and sorts out such matters in a timely and amicable manner

The other important thing is to maintain complete transparency - keeping all parties, including client and club informed on the shortage of quantity.

We also believe that the role of a bunker surveyor is NOT to negotiate with barge and reach a settlement, but to put facts on the table for all parties to take a call and find a way forward.

Sometimes, a bunker surveyor can discover additional bunker quantity on board which may have not been disclosed to the office due to whatever reasons, especially at the time of on hire and off hire of a vessel.

This can save companies thousands of dollars!

We know all this because we have conducted many bunker surveys for our clients across all UAE ports. Our expertise lies in conducted transparent and timely surveys such as:

• Bunker quantity Survey,
• Audit ans investigation for quality, Didcrepancy or Loss,
• Bunker Samplinf Survey,
• 221B Bunker Detective Survey,
• On hire & off ROB Survey,
• De-bunkering Survey.

So next time when you are looking for a bunker surveyor, we invite you to have a quick call with our team to see how we can help you save time and costs.

You can drop us a note on:

Email:survey@cspeed.ae

Purifier Room Fire Investigation: Our Observations

A small fire which broke out in purifier room, quickly spread over and engulfed the entire purifier room. The severity of the fire can be guessed from following damages:

• Complete purifier room gutted / severely heat and smoke affected, to include all machinery, cabling, starting / monitoring panels, insulation etc,
• 1st deck plating, just above purifier room, got distorted / deformed,
• Valves / piping and wiring of bunker service tanks gutted from overheating,
• Several engine room smoke detectors found wasted / melted,
• All engine room spaces and machinery (to include Main and Auxiliary Engines) fouled by the application of the CO2 extinguishing system and smoke.

The vessel was left in-operational due this fire for more than 50 days with partial cargo on board as the incident took place in discharge port.

Now the role of an attending surveyor on behalf of H&M underwriters is crucial to carry out following in such a case:

• A proper and detailed investigation of the root cause of fire and what type of corrective actions and preventive measures were taken,
• Review of the cost of repairs and loss of hire which are big holes in the pocket of both underwrites as well as the operators as the vessel is rendered on down time.
• The cost of repairs is not the only money spent on repairs but port charges, agency charges, vessel’s running opex cost etc are all factors which will keep adding to the final bill till the vessel is up and open running again. So, all the emphasis are put in getting the vessel back on its feet as soon as possible. Every extra day in port will incur extra loses.

It is yet another reminder to those who think implementing safety is an expensive affair, let them see the cost of such incidents and the spanner it throws in the works. The total cost ran in excess of USD 2.0 million.

Based on above incident, we recommend taking following precautions to avoid purifier room fires:

• Any leaking flanges / pipes, however minor it may be, should be repaired promptly. One major reason of such fires is spilling of oil on hot surfaces.
• Sheathing of pipes to be maintained in good condition.
• Drip trays should be kept clean and any accumulation of oil is to be avoided.
• Fire detection and alarm system should be religiously tested on weekly or shorter periods and maintained in fully operational condition due to criticality of the area it is covering.
• Firefighting system should always be maintained in ready to use condition.
• Quick closing valves and remote stopping of pumps and purifier should be provided in an accessible location in case of a fire in purifier room.

Our team of local experts helped in this particular case by assisting our client in identifying good and economical options for workshops, sourcing spares, verify their quotes and other provide logistical support. Ultimate objective is to save the cost, be it for underwriters or vessel operators.

In case, you need any help in UAE for such matters, we are just a call away. Please note our contact details as follows:

survey@cspeed.ae Phone: +971 52 6754091 www.seaspeedmarine.com

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A THRUSTER FOR YOUR BOAT.

There is always a first time to everything, and considering what type of bow thruster to install on your boat can be somewhat difficult. Consider these factors while planning to make a big investment in bow thrusters.
Bow thrusters are available in different types and sizes. They are placed in a tunnel set right through the hull, but it can also be installed or mounted externally when not in use. An offshore vessel chartering in UAE will look at the different types in the near future, for now let's take a look at the things you need to consider when purchasing a bow thruster.

The profile of your boat

You need to know that the longer and taller your boat's bodywork is, the more pressure the bow thruster has to give to push the boat against the wind.

Budget

The price and installation requirements are a crucial factor. It determines the size, power and refined details that differentiate thrusters available for your boat.

The shape and interior space of the bow

There will be more interior space depending on how deep the bow is in the water and how straightforward the fitting of the thruster is.

Capacity

The boat owner needs more power from a bow thruster when there is more wind and current while they are bating.

Power

If you have a small boat you know it uses DC power, and if it is a large vessel you find it uses AC or hydraulic power. Boats that are over 9 feet have to be checked if they have an AC generator or hydraulic system. Seaspeed marine management experts will let you know how much power you need from a bow and stern thruster installations.
When it comes to water checking the condition of vessels, it is very vital that you get what you paid for. The products and installation accessories in the boating industry should serve the needs of the boat and the boat owner, and the bow and stern thrusters.

Reliable and high quality brand

Being in the marine inspection in UAE industry for years, the established manufacturers are known for building high quality products that have a reliability element. To them they are mostly concerned about meeting the customers long term needs by supplying great bow thrusters and doing a follow up to ensure customer satisfaction.
Get guidance from marine management experts to know from which manufacturer or dealer you find the right type of a bow thruster. Big manufacturers of standard fit boat spare parts for small or large vessels. With a boat constructed by the best boat builders in the world you are sure that the boat and parts have undergone rigorous testing and substantive procedures. These companies hire highly performing cost effective and reliable manufacturers.

Talk to experts

Visit the best vessel technical management in UAE today and you'll be notified of all boat fairs with booths from the best manufacturers. Get an up close demonstration and understanding of boats and spare part products. A pre-purchase inspection to get excellent guidance on what your boat needs.

Safety in research and design

Whenever you are engaging in vessel sale and purchase in UAE, like buying a boat or a spare part, look into how the manufacturer puts extra effort to offer safety by doing thorough research and building a good design. There are safety detail features you should look into such as ignition protected models for use near gasoline engines, child safe on and off operation and automatic deactivation and so on.
So when buying a bow thruster, specify the make, model and size of your boat. Keep in mind to mention where and how you are planning to use the boat so as to get a bow thruster that suits your needs. A top leading offshore vessel charterers in UAE hopes that this article helps you in your decision making.