Stewart Group Inspection & Analysis, the global inspection and precision analysis arm of ALS Minerals, provides accredited solutions to the metals, minerals, ores and solid fuels industry and continues to offer tailored services to a variety of customer needs in the ever-changing market. Few companies are experiencing more change than the Stewart Group’s Inspection & Analysis laboratory based in Rotterdam, as it sees a sharp increase in bunker surveys.
Increasing fuel prices are a major concern for the majority of operations based in and around the Port of Rotterdam. Vessel owners coming into the port are increasingly conscious of managing their rising fuel costs and ensuring they pay a fair price for the quantity and quality they receive. Stewart Group’s Rotterdam facility provides bunker surveys for crucial piece of mind and effective turnarounds for vessels as they re-fuel.
Vessels coming in to the port require efficient, reliable solutions with fast turnarounds. Stewart Group Inspection &
Analysis operates to ensure that it is contactable 24 hours a day to provide that extra support for vessels.
The bunker surveys are provided by an experienced team of surveyors.As the fuel is transferred from bunker barge to vessel, the team collect homogeneous samples and assess the quality at a state-of-the-art laboratory based close to the port.
A detailed analysis report can be presented within 48 working hours enabling crucial piece of mind with a minimum turnaround time. The extensive report can result in a saving of up to US$1,600 for the vessel owner.
Joep Straathof, commercial manager at Rotterdam, commented on the recent developments,“Requests for bunker surveys have risen considerably in recent months as vessel owners are hit with rising fuel costs. If a final report shows even a small variation of one metric tonne, it can be a crucial saving for the vessel owner and improves overall performance.”