Expert Cargo Damage Investigations & Loss Mitigation in Africa

When an incident occurs, you need more than a surveyor; you need a partner. Our decade-long expertise provides you with the certainty of a systematic, thorough, and objective evaluation, from investigation to recovery. Our claims handlers in Africa are the best in the business.

Unmatched Pan-African Network

Our strategic presence in over +45 Ports in Africa, including major maritime hubs from Abidjan to Mombasa, ensures we can deploy expert cargo damage surveyors to any location—from coastal ports in Angola to remote destinations in Mali—with unrivaled speed and reliability.

Independent & Evidentiary Reporting

Our sole duty is to provide an impartial, factual assessment. We produce detailed, evidence-based reports that pinpoint the root cause of damage and form the robust foundation for any successful insurance claim or recovery action, whether in Nigeria or Cameroon.

Actionable Loss Mitigation

We provide a complete solution that extends to actionable loss mitigation strategies, including costed repair estimates, reconditioning recommendations, and managing salvage sales to maximize your recovery value.

Dedicated Support for Every Link in the Supply Chain

We understand that operators, manufacturers, traders, shippers, and insurers all have an equal interest in careful documentation. Our surveys are tailored to provide security for:

Shippers & Consignees

Insurers & P&I Clubs

Shipping Lines & Carriers

International Traders & Forwarders

…and like-minded partners, like you, who value diligence and integrity.

Marine Damage Surveys

Not one damage is the same, and each is treated uniquely. Our surveyors are confronted with a variety of damages, from simple collisions to complex machinery failures.

Hull & Machinery (H&M) Surveys

We provide rapid and thorough H&M damage surveys across Africa to investigate the cause, nature, and extent of damage to a vessel’s hull, machinery, and equipment following any incident.

Collision Damage Investigations

Our surveyors act immediately to attend vessels involved in collisions, collecting vital evidence, assessing structural damage, and providing a clear, independent report for insurers and owners to establish liability.

Grounding & Stranding Investigations

We conduct urgent underwater inspections and hull assessments following a grounding incident to determine the extent of damage and provide critical data for salvage and repair operations.

Fire & Explosion Damage Surveys

Our team is trained to investigate fire and explosion scenes on board vessels, working with urgency to identify the root cause and thoroughly document the full extent of structural and machinery damage.

Machinery Failure Analysis

Our engineering experts conduct in-depth inspections into main engine, auxiliary machinery, and equipment failures to determine the cause of the breakdown and provide objective recommendations for repair or replacement.

Fixed and Floating Object (FFO) Damage

We investigate damage to port infrastructure, such as quays, fenders, and cranes, as well as damage to vessels from contact with fixed or floating objects, providing clear liability assessments.

Salvage Support & Wreck Removal Consultancy

In the event of a major casualty, our surveyors provide crucial on-site support for salvage operations, assessing vessel stability, cargo condition, and environmental risks to help formulate a safe and effective recovery plan.

Surveys for P&I Clubs

Our experienced and independent experts with broad specialist knowledge are at your service for damage surveys covering technical, marine, and insurance aspects.

Cargo Claims & Loss Investigation

As local surveyors for P&I Clubs, we conduct immediate surveys into all types of cargo claims—including damage, shortage, and contamination—providing unbiased reports to protect the interests of the Club and its members.

Personal Injury & Crew-Related Matters

We handle sensitive crew-related incidents with professionalism and discretion, investigating personal injury claims, interviewing all parties involved, and providing comprehensive, factual reports to the P&I Club.

Pollution & Environmental Incidents

Our team responds urgently to pollution incidents anywhere in Africa, assessing the source and extent of the spill, assisting with clean-up oversight, and providing factual reports for all stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Vessel Condition Surveys

We perform pre-entry and routine condition surveys on behalf of P&I Clubs to assess the overall condition, maintenance, and operational readiness of vessels, identifying potential risks before they become liabilities.

Stowaway & Repatriation Cases

Our on-the-ground presence across Africa allows us to provide essential support in handling stowaway cases, liaising with local authorities, and assisting with the complex logistics of repatriation in a humane and efficient manner.

Stevedore & Terminal Damage

We investigate incidents of damage to vessels caused by stevedores, fallen shore cranes, or terminal equipment, conducting joint inspections to clearly establish the facts and assist in swift recovery actions.

Cargo Damage Surveys & Loss Prevention

We carry out a thorough investigation and report on the cargo’s condition, probable cause of damage, and recommended loss mitigation measures.

Containerized Cargo Surveys

We conduct thorough inspections of containerized goods to assess damage from handling, transit, or water ingress. Our surveys include stuffing/stripping supervision and seal integrity checks to protect your interests.

Bulk & Breakbulk Cargo Surveys

Our surveyors are experts in managing bulk and breakbulk cargo, conducting draft surveys, hold inspections, and supervising loading/discharge operations to prevent loss and ensure quantity verification.

Reefer & Perishable Cargo Expertise

We provide specialized surveys for refrigerated and perishable goods, including temperature verification, pulp temperature readings, and assessing damage due to equipment malfunction or temperature deviations.

Project Cargo & Heavy Lift Surveys

Our Marine Warranty Surveyors (MWS) oversee critical heavy lift and project cargo operations, ensuring compliance with approved method statements and minimizing risk during loading, transport, and discharge.

Loss Prevention & Mitigation

Our mandate extends beyond simple investigation to proactive loss mitigation and the maximization of your financial recovery. We conduct a detailed analysis to establish the probable cause and full extent of the damage, delivering a comprehensive report on the cargo’s condition. This includes providing clear, costed specifications for necessary repairs and expert recommendations for loss mitigation. We then guide you through strategic options, which may include overseeing the repackaging or reconditioning process, or facilitating a salvage sale to ensure the highest possible return.

Liquid & Chemical Cargo Surveys

We offer expert analysis for liquid and chemical cargo, including quantity determination through tank gauging, sampling, analysis, and investigations into product contamination to safeguard product integrity.

In-House Claims Recovery Unit

A survey is the first step; recovery is the goal. Our comprehensive reports are used by our principals to settle claims, and our in-house unit makes that process seamless.

Our dedicated team of claims handlers works tirelessly on your behalf to pursue recovery from liable third parties. We leverage the detailed evidence gathered by our surveyors to build a robust case, managing all correspondence and negotiations to secure the best possible financial outcome. Our recovery services include:

Recovery actions for cargo damage and shortage against sea, road, and rail carriers.
Claims against ports and terminals for handling damages.
Pursuing recovery from third parties in complex liability cases.
Negotiating settlements with responsible parties and their insurers.
Managing salvage sales of damaged goods to maximize recovery value.
Providing full litigation support in partnership with maritime lawyers when required.

Our Surveys in Photos

Our surveys across Africa are conducted by highly trained and experienced professionals, providing you with unparalleled on-the-ground expertise.

Cargo & Vehicle Damage Survey

Ship Crane Damage Survey

Damaged Crane Bearing & Spares Inspection

Reefer Container Inspection

Cargo Damage Surveys

Container Inspections

Marine & Bunker Surveys

Steel & Breakbulk Cargo

Project Cargo & MWS

Commodity Surveys

Bulk Grain Operations

Bagged Cargo Discharge Tally

Draft & Weight Surveys

Container Terminal Operations

Stuffing & Lashing Supervision

Reefer Container Monitoring

Heavy Lift Inspections

Project Cargo Surveys

Ship Crane Damage Surveys

Cargo Damage Surveys

Cargo Wetting Damage Surveys

Breakbulk Cargo Surveys

Reefer Container Damage Surveys

Scrap Pre-shipment Metal Surveys

Project Cargo Surveys

Discharge and Tally Surveys

Marine Warranty & Heavy Lift Surveys

Coffee Container Stuffing Inspections

Agri Produce Export Support

Container Stripping, Loss Control & Tally Surveys

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can you deploy a surveyor to a remote location in Africa?

Our extensive network allows for rapid deployment. For major ports, we can often attend within hours. For remote inland locations, we mobilize immediately to ensure attendance in the shortest possible timeframe, keeping you informed at every step.

Do your reports meet international standards for insurance claims?

Absolutely. All our survey reports are prepared to meet the highest international standards required by P&I Clubs, H&M underwriters, and global insurance firms. They are designed to be clear, factual, and serve as robust evidence.

Can you handle both the initial damage survey and the subsequent claims process?

Yes. We are a one-stop solution. Our process is designed for a seamless transition from incident investigation to financial recovery. Our in-house Claims Recovery Unit can leverage our findings to manage the entire claims process for you.

From Complex Risks to Clear Resolutions

In international shipping, even the most carefully planned logistics can face unforeseen challenges. The financial and operational impact of cargo damage or loss requires a swift, expert response. Consider these common scenarios:

The Project Delay

A critical turbine for a new power plant arrives with significant impact damage. The project faces multimillion-dollar penalties for each day of delay, requiring immediate, specialized assessment to determine liability and coordinate a solution without derailing the project timeline.

The Perishable Loss

A reefer container of premium avocados experiences a temperature malfunction. The entire shipment is rejected, resulting in a total loss and raising urgent questions about the cold chain’s integrity and where the failure occurred.

The High-Value Theft

A container of electronics vanishes from a secure terminal. The recovery is stalled by a lack of clear evidence, demanding a thorough investigation to trace movements, identify security breaches, and provide documentation for a successful insurance claim.

These scenarios represent more than logistical problems—they are significant financial events that demand immediate, decisive, and expert intervention.

Our Mandate: Mitigating Loss, Maximizing Recovery

Our mandate extends beyond simple cargo damage surveys to proactive loss mitigation and the maximization of your financial recovery. We conduct a detailed analysis to establish the probable cause and full extent of the damage, delivering a comprehensive report on the cargo’s condition. This includes providing clear, costed specifications for necessary repairs and expert recommendations for loss mitigation. We then guide you through strategic options, which may include overseeing the repackaging or reconditioning process, or facilitating a salvage sale to ensure the highest possible return.

Our Comprehensive Service Network in Africa

Through our extensive networks, we conduct all types of marine and cargo damage surveys, claims handling and management, claims recoveries, and loss prevention and salvage support in all major African ports and interior logistics hubs. Our reach extends across the continent, with a strong presence in key ports such as South Africa (Durban, Cape Town, Richards Bay), Ivory Coast (Abidjan), Nigeria (Apapa, Lagos, Port Harcourt), Djibouti, Kenya (Mombasa), Tanzania (Dar es Salaam), Mozambique (Beira), Namibia (Walvis Bay), Egypt (Alexandria, Suez, Port Said), Morocco (Casablanca, Tanger Med), Ghana (Tema, Takoradi), Senegal (Dakar), Cameroon (Douala), Angola (Luanda), Congo (Pointe-Noire), Sudan (Port Sudan), Algeria (Algiers), Gabon (Libreville), DRC (Matadi), Somalia (Mogadishu), Guinea (Conakry), Sierra Leone (Freetown), and Togo (Lomé). Furthermore, our services extend deep into the continent’s interior, supporting critical logistics hubs and transport corridors in Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Niger, and Mali, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all your cargo needs.