black and brown ships under cloudy sky

Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) in Valencia, Spain

A Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) is an independent technical process used to determine the actual quantity of marine fuel delivered and received onboard a vessel.

VALENCIA Marine Services provides professional BQS attendance in Spanish Mediterranean ports, ensuring transparency and contractual protection during high-value bunkering operations.

Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS)

A Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) is an independent verification process that determines the actual quantity of marine fuel delivered and received onboard a vessel through structured measurement and calculation procedures.

OBQ / ROB Survey (Charter Delivery & Redelivery)

An OBQ / ROB Survey establishes the precise quantity of fuel onboard a vessel at charter delivery or redelivery, ensuring contractual transparency between shipowners and charterers.

Detective Bunker Survey (Fuel Discrepancies & Claims Support)

A Detective Bunker Survey is a technical investigation conducted when discrepancies arise between declared and measured fuel quantities, providing structured analysis and documentation for commercial or insurance claims.

Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS)

What Is a Bunker Quantity Survey?

A BQS involves structured measurement and calculation procedures performed before, during, and after bunkering operations to verify:

  • Quantity delivered

  • Quantity received onboard

  • Accuracy of declared BDN figures

  • Temperature and density corrections

  • Volumetric reconciliation

The objective is to eliminate discrepancies and reduce financial exposure.

  • Quantity delivered

  • Quantity received onboard

  • Accuracy of declared BDN figures

  • Temperature and density corrections

  • Volumetric reconciliation

The objective is to eliminate discrepancies and reduce financial exposure.

a blue and white boat docked at a dock
a blue and white boat docked at a dock

Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS)

Scope of BQS Attendance

Our Bunker Quantity Survey may include:

Pre-Supply Measurement

  • Initial tank ullage/sounding measurement

  • Verification of calibration tables

  • Recording of tank conditions

During Supply Supervision

  • Monitoring of transfer procedures

  • Verification of operational sequence

  • Observation of manifold conditions (as accessible)

Post-Supply Measurement

  • Final tank measurements

  • Temperature readings

  • Density verification

  • Volumetric calculation with correction factors

a large cargo ship in a body of water
a large cargo ship in a body of water

Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS)

Calculation Methodology

Accuracy in bunker operations requires a transparent chain of calculations.

Our methodology may include:

  • Manual and/or electronic tank measurement

  • Temperature correction application

  • Density @ reference temperature adjustment

  • Volume correction factor (VCF) application

  • Comparison with the declared BDN quantity

  • Reconciliation analysis

All calculations are documented clearly in the final report.

A cargo ship sails on calm water.
A cargo ship sails on calm water.

METHODOLOGY

Calculation Methodology

Accuracy in bunker operations requires a transparent chain of calculations.

Our methodology may include:

  • Manual and/or electronic tank measurement

  • Temperature correction application

  • Density @ reference temperature adjustment

  • Volume correction factor (VCF) application

  • Comparison with the declared BDN quantity

  • Reconciliation analysis

All calculations are documented clearly in the final report.

a large yellow and blue boat sitting on top of a body of water
a large yellow and blue boat sitting on top of a body of water

INDEPENDENCY

Why Independent BQS Is Critical

Small quantity differences can represent a significant financial impact.

An independent BQS helps:

  • Prevent commercial disputes

  • Protect charter settlements

  • Support claims if discrepancies arise

  • Provide neutral third-party verification

  • Strengthen contractual compliance

Two workers in hard hats discuss plans near shipping containers.
Two workers in hard hats discuss plans near shipping containers.

VESSELS

Services by Vessel Type

This service is primarily provided for:

  • Merchant vessels and commercial units

  • Tankers

  • Container ships

  • Bulk carriers

  • Ferries

  • Large yachts & specialised units (case-by-case, high-value operations)

a tugboat in the water
a tugboat in the water
a man standing in front of a large boat
a man standing in front of a large boat
a large boat is docked at a pier
a large boat is docked at a pier
a large boat in the water with a large ship in the background
a large boat in the water with a large ship in the background
a large cruise ship docked at a pier
a large cruise ship docked at a pier
a large cargo ship in the water with a large crane in the background
a large cargo ship in the water with a large crane in the background

PORTS

Ports Covered in Spain (Mediterranean)

We attend bunker operations across Spanish Mediterranean ports, including:

Mediterranean Ports

  • Barcelona

  • Tarragona

  • Castellón

  • Valencia

  • Alicante

  • Cartagena

Other Ports

  • Attendance at other Spanish ports may be arranged upon request, depending on logistics and schedule.

blue and red cargo ship on dock during daytime
blue and red cargo ship on dock during daytime

REPORT

Bunker Quantity Survey Technical Report

The BQS report typically includes:

  • Recorded tank measurements

  • Applied correction factors

  • Density values used

  • Volumetric calculations

  • Observations during supply

  • Final delivered/received quantity determination

The report is structured to support:

  • Commercial reconciliation

  • Charter party settlement

  • Claims documentation

  • Insurance review

man in black jacket standing beside woman in yellow jacket
man in black jacket standing beside woman in yellow jacket

Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS)

When Should You Request a BQS?

You should consider independent BQS attendance when

  • High fuel quantities are being supplied

  • Previous discrepancies have occurred

  • Charter change is approaching

  • There is uncertainty regarding the declared quantity

  • Risk mitigation is required

blue and red cargo ship on dock during daytime
blue and red cargo ship on dock during daytime

FAQs

Everything you need to know now

What is a Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS)?

An independent verification of delivered/received fuel quantity based on tank measurements before and after supply and corrected volumetric calculations.

When do I need an OBQ/ROB survey?

At charter delivery/redelivery or any handover where fuel quantity impacts settlement between parties.

When is a detective bunker survey required?

When there is a material discrepancy between declared and measured quantities or when procedural anomalies require technical investigation.

a large cargo ship docked at a dock

Request Attendance / Get a Quote

To confirm availability and quote accurately, please send:

  • Vessel name + IMO (if available)

  • Port + ETA/ETB

  • Fuel grades and expected quantities (MT)

  • Supply method (barge/shore/truck/STS)

  • Required service (BQS / OBQ-ROB / Detective)

VALENCIA Marine Services

Camino del Canal 91 Real Club Náutico de Valencia Block 3 Office 21 Valencia 46024 (SPAIN)

+34 96 13 050 13

info@valenciamarineservices.com

© 2026 VALENCIA Marine Services