Services
Marine cargo claims survey
What it is
An average surveyor is appointed as soon as damage to transported goods is discovered. The mission is to establish the materiality of the loss, investigate its cause and origin, quantify its extent, and preserve recourse against the carrier or terminal operator. This is the appointment made by cargo underwriters, brokers and cargo interests.
Typical cases
- Container opened on the quay showing wetting, contamination or breakage
- Bulk shortage on discharge — grain, clinker, fertiliser
- Cold chain failure on a reefer container
- Break-bulk cargo struck during port handling
- Damage found at final delivery, after inland haulage
How the assignment runs
- 01
Appointment and acceptance
Appointment received, conflict of interest checked, mandate and scope confirmed within two working hours.
- 02
Attendance on site
Attendance at the terminal, warehouse or consignee premises. Joint survey with the parties present, dated photographic record, sampling where required.
- 03
Findings and cause investigation
Examination of packing, stowage and carriage conditions. Documentary review: bill of lading, delivery note, exceptions, temperature logs.
- 04
Quantification and preservation of recourse
Loss assessed against supporting documents, advice on salvage and salvage sale, letter of reservation issued to the carrier within statutory time limits.
- 05
Report and follow-up
Survey report issued, followed by assistance during settlement and answers to any further questions from the underwriter.
Reference framework
- Hague-Visby or Hamburg Rules depending on the bill of lading
- CEMAC merchant shipping code
- Incoterms applicable to the sale contract
- Notice periods: 3 days for non-apparent damage
An assignment of this kind?
Describe your situation: we confirm acceptance within two working hours.