Inchcape Shipping Services has long been known for expertise and capabilities as a shipping agent in all areas of surveying. Inchcape recently expanded these marine surveyor capabilities to Singapore, a bunker surveying hub in the maritime industry. The marine surveyor team in Singapore is licensed to undertake all necessary Bunker Survey operations and any other supporting survey operations which may be required. All surveys are undertaken by the shipping agent Inchcape utilizing industry best practices and technology.
The Inchcape
global network permits clients a single global contact point to connect to
survey points in almost every part of the globe. Bunker sampling is only one of
the many sample and inspection services offered by the industry leader. The
process of bunker sampling takes fuel samples from the selected vessel and
keeps such samples in serial numbered, tamper-evident containers, locked secure
to provide evidence in the event of vessel engine damage or failure. This is in
accordance with MARPOL 73/78, the International Convention for the Prevention
of Air Pollution of ships. This bunker sampling gives physical evidence in
the event of legal proceedings of any type. The term “bunker” in this
context originated in the days of old, when steam ships utilized
coal, and was later expanded to include the supplying of other fuels, such as
oil, for ships. Surveys are undertaken for the purpose of determining
fuel cost as well as condition, as fuel cost is an extremely important aspect
of the maritime shipping industry. All bunkers and cargo holds are
surveyed as to number and condition at commencement and completion of charter.
The bunker levels require independent verification so that their value can
be determined and agreed upon by all interested parties.
But this is only one of the many services and surveys global leader Inchcape Shipping Services performs as shipping agent. Inchcape designs services exclusively around the needs of clients. Cargo handling, lashing, and logistical surveys also may be performed. Hatch cover integrity inspections must be performed. Crane inspections may be required to ensure that cranes meet all statutory legal requirements and are suitable for use for a particular application. Draft surveys determine the amount of bulk cargo loaded or discharged from a vessel, which gives and forms an independent measure for the basis of payment and commercial documents in these cases. Inchcape Shipping Services marine survey teams have expertise and knowledge in all areas of maritime shipping. Inchcape can perform pre-purchase inspection surveys of vessels to enable the vital necessary decisions based on condition and operational capabilities. These surveys identify damage to hull and engine and utilize ship records to determine fuel consumption. They identify upcoming maintenance necessary to perform up to international standards. Surveys are vitally necessary to determine vessel condition and ensure all necessary proactive measures are taken.
All of these
surveys concern mitigation of risks for the parties involved. They require an
independent and respected shipping agent and marine survey operator with deep
knowledge of the international maritime industry and the latest
technology, such as Inchcape. The Bunker Optimization technology that
Inchcape utilizes promotes both excellence in operations and effective cost
management. Bunker Optimization combines bunker agency, survey, and launch
costs to deliver standardized reporting and cost savings to their
customers. According to Frank Olsen, CEO of Inchcape: “Inchcape
Marine Survey and Inspection delivers a global survey and inspection solution
to the marine industry, utilizing technology and our global network of highly
skilled marine surveyors.”