Expert articles and guides from our marine surveying team covering cargo, bunker, hull, compliance, and offshore operations.
Taking fuel for the ship is also known as "Bunkering". Bunkering as the ship terminology refers to taking fuel for the ship namely heavy oil (furnace oil), diesel oil and lube oil. Bunkering of heavy oil for a ship is in Metric tonnes.
The design of modern dry bulk carriers is centered on their holds and has evolved to be as efficient as possible in terms of volume of cargo carried. But what happens when the voyage is completed and cargo holds are empty?
At Constellation Marine Services, we know that cargo claims are inevitable. The essence of our services for claims made to you or to bring against someone brings us to take you step by step through the services we render.
Break bulk cargos are goods that must be loaded individually on a ship and was the most common form of cargo for most of the history of shipping. The term break bulk derives from the phrase "breaking bulk" — the extraction of a portion of cargo.
Perhaps the only established methodology to quantify solid bulk cargo on board vessels is a draught survey. Although considered simple in principle, experienced surveyors know that in practice the process is rather complicated.
When disputes arise over bunker quantity, post-delivery investigations on quantity shortages are often inconclusive — especially if shipboard personnel neglected the basic principles of safeguarding owners' and charterers' rights.
The very existence of ships depends on the cargo they carry. While ship design and operation has evolved to high levels of sophistication, cargo handling still remains an activity engaging manual human interaction with heavy equipment.
Constellation Marine Services successfully completed a Port Captaincy evolution for loading 7.5 kilometers of Ductile Iron cement coated pipe onboard a bulk carrier in Abu Dhabi — a complex multi-party operation.
Dry Docks, whether preventive or regulatory requirements, are a necessary activity during a vessel's life cycle. These dockings are always very keenly attended by superintendency and ship owner's representatives.
Heavy lift operations are one of the critical operations requiring a combination of knowledge and experience. The primary information that comes to mind when talking about heavy lifting is the weight of the lifting object.
This paper highlights the ever-increasing reliance on letter of indemnities being offered and accepted without fully comprehending its purpose and enforceability from the perspective of the P&I clubs and the law.
Our gas carrier expert Capt. Delzin Irani inspected the world's first ethane carrier capable of using ethane liquid for propulsion — carrying pure Ethane cargo at -104°C. A historic maritime first.
Constellation Marine Services brings to the attention of the shipping community the benefits of appointing a survey company to carry out a pre-loading inspection of cargo/container during export loading.
This article addresses marine industry professionals involved in the towing of vessels — from deck loading dump barges and heavy lift crane barges to hiring a towing tug for non-propelled vessels.
A Tug is essentially a marine craft having several applications: assisting ships in berthing and unberthing. Ships due to their large size have limited maneuvering abilities in confined waters such as ports.
From a loss prevention perspective, we have taken into account practical issues already being experienced in the management of low sulphur fuel, based on cases that occurred since the IMO 2020 Fuel Oil Sulphur cap.
Constellation Marine carries out pre-vetting site inspection preparation for clients. The site output and credentials play a very important role for tankers and chemical tankers when getting approved by oil majors.
Constellation Marine Services provides expert guidance and supervision on tank cleaning of chemical tankers — more efficient and economical, including cargo contamination claim advisory services.
Disputes relating to "off-spec" or contaminated liquid cargoes are a recurring problem. Contamination claims often result in large sums of money being at stake. Proper sampling containers are critical to prevent false test results.
The ECDIS is considered an important milestone for shipping within the IMO framework for E-navigation. Despite its benefits, ECDIS is a complex system with challenges that require proper understanding to avoid accidents.
As vessels and equipment become increasingly smarter, seafarers are required to learn additional skills. A survey examined whether bridge alarms affect watchkeeper attention and focus on the bridge.
In recent years, much emphasis is being placed on Navigational Audits as part of TMSA requirements. Independent navigation audits should form part of ship owners' risk assessment to keep ships and crews safe at sea.
Taking bunker fuel oil samples is an important process during bunkering. Marine fuel deliveries are measured by volume but paid for by weight — making proper sampling procedure critical for all parties involved.
As per TRAKHEES, it is mandated to have a safety officer on board non-conventional tankers in port while loading or discharging cargo. Constellation Marine Services has three accredited officers with TRAKHEES.
A 99K DWT tanker was presented for inspection upon completion of its first foot loading of gasoline. The cargo tested off-spec for flash point. Constellation's investigation and intervention prevented costly full cargo rejection.
It is well known that manufacturing companies have adopted quality standards. In recent past numerous service-oriented organizations have joined the quality standards bandwagon — but not all for the right reasons.
Pre-loading surveys are entirely depending on the vessel's Master and his cargo officer's experience and the company insurance department advice to order pre-loading surveys at the right time for sensitive cargo under doubtful circumstances.
Ship and vessel valuation surveys are tricky and arduous engagements requiring a combination of skills including seafaring, financial and statistical capabilities, irrespective of the size and type of the vessel or the purpose for which the valuation is carried out.