Expert Steel Cargo Surveys Across Africa

Navigating the complexities of African ports requires local knowledge. We protect your high-value steel assets from arrival to destination, from Mombasa to Lagos, Dar es Salaam to Durban, Djibouti to Abidjan. +45 Ports in Africa, and Global Capacity at Load Ports.

The Critical Distinction in the African Context

High humidity, challenging inland logistics, and varied handling standards at different ports make accurate damage assessment in Africa a specialized skill. Distinguishing between unavoidable transit effects and genuine damage is crucial for fair claims resolution and protecting your investment across the continent.

Cosmetic & Climatic Flaws

Often related to climate and remediable without major loss.

Uniform surface rust (flash rust) from humidity
Minor scratches from standard handling
Superficial atmospheric discoloration
Dust and residue from road/rail transport

Real Structural Damage

Compromises the steel’s intended use, capacity, or marketability.

Deep pitting corrosion from saltwater ingress
Buckling or deformation from poor stowage/handling
Fractures or cracks from impact
Damage from improper inland transit securing

Our Full Spectrum of Steel Survey Services in Africa

Steel Loading Surveys at Port of Load

Our surveyors verify quality, condition, and quantity before loading. We document pre-existing conditions and oversee stowage to minimize risk during transit to Africa.

Discharge Surveys & Tally in Africa

We provide meticulous tally services at all major African ports to verify quantities and document the cargo’s condition as it’s discharged, identifying new damage immediately.

Steel Damage Surveys

Our experts determine the cause, nature, and extent of damage. Detailed reports provide the clear evidence needed for successful insurance or third-party claims.

Marine Loss Adjusting

We quantify the financial loss, evaluating diminution in value and repair costs. We act as an impartial expert to facilitate fair and equitable settlements.

Recovery & Salvage Management

We pursue recoveries from liable parties and manage the salvage process in local African markets to maximize the residual value of damaged assets.

Inspections for Insurance & Banks

We conduct independent surveys for insurers to validate claims and for banks to verify cargo for trade finance, providing critical assurance.

Our Africa-Focused Claims Process

Rapid Local Deployment

Upon notification, we deploy the nearest surveyor from our extensive African network to ensure immediate on-site presence.

Context-Aware Data Collection

Our surveyors conduct inspections with a deep understanding of local conditions, port infrastructure, and common regional issues.

Clear, Actionable Reporting

We analyze evidence to produce clear, concise reports that account for regional factors, suitable for international insurers, shippers, cargo owners, P&I clubs, Banks, Consignees and local partners alike.

Facilitated Resolution

Our reports provide the objective evidence needed to cut through complexity and facilitate swift, fair settlements in the African market.

Our African Expertise in Action

Case Study: The Lagos Humidity Issue

Situation: A shipment of steel plates was rejected at Apapa Port, Lagos, for what was claimed to be saltwater corrosion.

Our Action: Our surveyor, familiar with the high humidity of the region, conducted chloride tests on site. The results were negative, proving the uniform rust was atmospheric freshwater condensation (flash rust), not from seawater.

Result: We averted a major claim. The receiver accepted the cargo with a minimal allowance for surface cleaning, saving our client significant losses and demurrage costs.

Case Study: The Mombasa-Kampala Corridor

Situation: Structural beams destined for Kampala, Uganda, arrived with bending damage. The carrier and receiver disputed whether it occurred at sea, at the Port of Mombasa, or during the 1,100km road journey.

Our Action: We conducted a joint survey in Kampala and cross-referenced our findings with discharge tally reports from our surveyor in Mombasa. The nature of the damage was consistent with improper securing on the truck.

Result: Liability was correctly placed with the inland logistics provider. Our clear, end-to-end evidence trail protected the shipowner and cargo insurer.

Trusted by a Wide Range of Maritime Stakeholders

P&I Clubs

Ship Owners

Shippers

Cargo Owners

Banks

Charterers

Ports & Stakeholders

Types of Steel Cargo We Inspect

Steel Coils

We inspect hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and coated steel coils for telescoping, edge damage, and surface issues like rust or contamination.

Steel Billets

Our surveys for semi-finished products like billets focus on dimensional accuracy, surface cracks, and signs of improper handling.

Steel Rebars

We verify bundle integrity, count, and check for excessive bending or heavy corrosion that could compromise concrete adhesion.

Steel Pipes

Inspections cover pipe ends (beveling), coating damage, and out-of-roundness issues for seamless and welded pipes.

Wire Rods

We inspect coils of wire rods for surface defects, dimensional tolerance, and signs of mechanical damage from handling.

Structural Steel & Slabs

For beams, angles, and slabs, our focus is on straightness, twisting, and any physical damage that could affect structural integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have surveyors in all major African ports?

We have a robust network of experienced surveyors and trusted associates in all major coastal and key inland hubs across Africa, including East, West, and Southern Africa. This allows us to provide rapid, cost-effective deployment with crucial local knowledge.

How do you handle communication with local authorities and partners?

Our local surveyors are adept at navigating the customs and practices of their respective port authorities, customs officials, and logistics providers. We act as a professional bridge, ensuring clear communication and smooth joint surveys.

What makes your reports suitable for the African market?

Our reports are written to the highest international standards for insurers, but with specific, factual context that explains the local realities—such as weather, infrastructure, or handling methods—that may have contributed to the situation. This clarity is essential for all parties to reach a fair understanding.