Higher fuel consumption was compared without accounting for voyage conditions

If higher fuel consumption is alleged after a vessel enters service, the parties may be comparing unlike voyages. One calculation includes all fuel written off; another only main-engine consumption. Port time, loading and distance differ, so total consumption alone does not explain the change.

What needs to be clarified

Check calculation comparability and completeness of source records, separating accounting boundaries and voyage conditions without inferring an engine fault from a single difference between totals.

Materials to prepare

Deck and engine-room logs for the voyages being compared
Fuel receipt, remaining-stock and consumption records identifying the measurement method
Voyage records of distance, time underway, port time and loading

What to compare

Opening and closing fuel stocks, receipts, units and accounting periods are reconciled. Underway consumption is separated from auxiliary and port consumption where records permit. Distance, duration and loading are compared; unknown components remain explicit, and any specific-consumption calculation states its comparison basis and assumptions.

Possible outcome of the analysis

A reconciled fuel-balance and voyage-comparison table may explain supported differences, unseparated consumption and the additional data needed for a separate assessment of the alleged technical cause.

Limits of the conclusions

Without reliable fuel-stock measurements and consumer separation, causal conclusions are limited. Record review is not a vessel survey, confirmation of class or certification of engine and ship-system serviceability.