Marine

In an environment of constantly growing volumes of goods carried by sea, safe cargo handling and transport is essential.

Delayed sailing of a vessel can have severe effects on the subsequent transport chain.

Based on our many years of experience as surveyors, especially with the focus on stowage and securing of the different cargoes, we are well aware of the importance of safe transport of all kinds of cargo.

To ensure safe transport of the cargoes, we carry out various surveys e.g. On-Hire / Off Hire Surveys as well as Flag State Inspections on behalf of our clients.

Furthermore we contribute our knowledge and experience in the fields of damage surveys and loss prevention in order to ensure efficient claims handling.

On/Off Hire Surveys

We perform on-hire and off-hire surveys on vessels of all sizes. These surveys document the condition and equipment of a vessel at a given time. Furthermore, these surveys provide calibrated conditions for the documentation of changes during the charter period. When an owner hands over a vessel for the charter period, an on-hire survey is performed. The entire vessel is inspected and the condition is documented. As the consumption of Heavy Fuel Oil and Marine Diesel Oil is included in the charter contract, a bunker survey is required.

Upon completion of the charter period, an off-hire survey is conducted which includes the same aspects as an on-hire survey. Comparing on- and off-hire survey reports enables both owner and charterer to determine if the current condition of the vessel is the same as at the start of the charter period.

Bunker Surveys

During a bunker survey, all vessel’s tanks containing Heavy Fuel Oil, Marine Diesel Oil and, if required, Lube Oil are sounded / measured and the existing quantity of these fuels is ascertained.

In order to achieve reliable and exact results, knowledge about fixed parameters such as amount and size of the tanks, method of measurement as well as the trim of the vessel is essential.

Subsequently to the conducted bunker survey a detailed report and a reliable certificate listing the existing amounts of bunker on board will be issued by us. These are particularly required in the context of a time charter.

Load surveys on project and heavy lift cargoes

We inspect and supervise project and heavy lift shipments and conduct interface controls.

This includes a pre-loading survey of the cargo in order to document the actual condition of the cargo at this stage.

Prior to loading the best way of loading and stowage of the respective cargo will be discussed with all parties involved.

Furthermore the suitability and condition of the lifting gear is inspected by us prior to beginning of the operation.

The scope of work of a loading survey in respect of heavy lift and project cargoes also includes the inspection of the correct stowage and the proper weight distribution (if applicable).

Subsequently to the loading of the respective cargo, we will inspect whether the cargo is secured in accordance with the common rules and regulations.

Cargo Hold Inspections

For the shipment of food and non-food cargoes in bulk always a dry and clean cargo space is required, which is suitable for the particular goods.

To ensure a sound condition of the vessel’s spaces as well as to meet the required quality standards for the planned shipment, we conduct cargo hold inspections prior to loading.

Therefore we inspect all holds which are planned for the cargo and, if all standards are met, release the spaces for the loading operations.

A cargo hold inspection includes for e.g. a statement regarding the cleanliness of vessel’s holds and the visual inspection of the condition and water tightness of the hatch covers / rubber sealings.

Subsequently to the inspection of the cargo holds, if all requirements are met, our surveyor will issue a certificate confirming the cleanliness of the vessel’s holds.

MARPOL Inspections:

In the shipping industry, most changes in the standards and regulations are introduced after the major accidents.

The MARPOL Convention was signed in 1973, after the loss of the oil tanker MV “TORREY CANYON” in 1967.

The MARPOL Convention is divided in a general part and in 6 annexes. While the general part or introduction presents the general condition, the implementation is described in the annexes.

The following aspects are subjected in the MARPOL annexes:

  • Annex I: Prevention of pollution by oil & oily water
  • Annex II: Control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk
  • Annex III: Prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form
  • Annex IV: Pollution by sewage from ships
  • Annex V: Pollution by garbage from ships
  • Annex VI: Prevention of air pollution from ships

The last major amendment of the MARPOL Convention, the enforcement of Annex VI, was effected in 2005.

In case of an environmental pollution on board of a vessel or in the port we will represent the interests of our clients against the authorities.

Damage Surveys

Damages which occur during ocean transport or handling will always cause issues between the parties involved in the shipment.

A number of steps is required for the correct claim handling. An overall view on the facts and a comprehensive handling are essential, which is based on the knowledge and experience of the respective transport procedures and routines.

Starting with the salvage of damaged goods, over possible damages to the vessel or to the transport containers up to an assessment of the quality and quantity of the damages to the cargo / goods we will assist you throughout the whole process of claim handling.

The investigation of the cause of the damage as well as the assessment of the claim amount and extent is also part of our service. Furthermore we will also organize measures to minimize the loss, the repairs and reconditioning as well as the documentation to document all circumstances.

 


 

About us

Alberts & Fabel GmbH & Co. KG | Engineers • Surveyors • Average commissioners • Marine Surveyor Place of Aktion: Hamburg, Bremen, Brake, Bremerhaven, Ruhrgebiet, Rostock, Antwerpen, Rotterdam and Amsterdam

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