Before discharge
As in the loading port, the measurement of the cargo is undertaken in the presence of the cargo receivers and possibly other interested parties or their surveyors and including customs authorities. The remarks in the section on cargo measurement apply equally in this instance. The utmost care should be taken in checking and doublechecking the measurements. The measurement of temperature merits particular care especially where heated cargoes are concerned. Again it is stressed that apparently small discrepancies in temperature can lead to significant differences in the final calculations and the temptation to ‘round off’ temperatures or to use convenient averages should be discouraged. It is essential to note the ship’s trim and list at the time of ullaging – the ideal trim is with the ship on an even keel and with no list. When sampling cargo before discharge and particularly in the case of heated cargoes, samples should be taken from the top, middle and bottom of the cargo tank.
On completion of cargo measurement, a comparison should immediately be made with the loading ullages tank by tank, in order to see whether there have been any appreciable changes since leaving the loading port. Should any differences be noted, then the reasons should be immediately investigated and fully recorded. The ship’s responsibility should begin and end at the fixed manifold and the owners have no liability for measurements taken once the cargo has entered the complex of piping which forms the average receiving terminal. Claims are frequently presented on the basis
of shore figures which are inaccurate and the most effective and economical way of repudiating liability may be to recalculate these figures correctly. It would be beneficial for a surveyor representing the shipowner to check the shore reception facility, where he may be able to witness the taking of shore measurements. He may also be able to check the pipeline system, to verify its size and length and the method by which its contents are ascertained before and after discharge as well as noting any valves which lead off those pipelines which are in use. Some shore facilities are reluctant to allow ship’s representatives to make full checks in their terminals. It should be recorded if an inspection of the terminal or its operations is refused.
Where shortage claims arise, they are usually based on the shore figures and the owner must defend himself not only on the basis of the accuracy of the ship’s figures, but also by challenging the accuracy of those shore figures. It will greatly assist if the owners’ surveyor has made a thorough inspection of the terminal at the time of the discharge.
During discharge
Once the necessary preparations have been completed aboard the ship and the shore installation has confirmed that the discharge can commence, the cargo pumps are started in sequence. Where one or more grades of cargo are carried, it may be possible to discharge each grade simultaneously subject to stress and trim considerations and any other restricting factors
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