Your Independent Partner for Cargo Inspections in Africa and Globally

In the complex world of international trade, the integrity of your cargo is paramount. Observater provides the leading independent third-party inspection services for all types of dry and bagged cargo, working to safeguard your interests at every stage of the supply chain. With deep expertise in over 45 African ports and a global capacity delivered through our trusted partners, we are your eyes and ears on the ground.

Whether you are shipping bulk commodities, bagged goods, project cargo, or soft commodities, our role is to act as your impartial expert. We meticulously verify quantity, assess quality, supervise handling, and document condition to mitigate risk and reduce the potential for financial loss. Our detailed, factual reports provide a clear, objective record, bringing clarity and confidence to every shipment.

Our Comprehensive Cargo Inspection Services

From proactive loss prevention to meticulous discharge supervision, our services are engineered to protect your interests at every critical juncture. We provide shippers and charterers with the on-the-ground oversight needed to promote procedural integrity, while offering insurers and P&I Clubs the impartial, evidence-based reporting required to confidently manage risk and resolve claims.

Draft Surveys for Bulk Cargo Quantity

For bulk cargoes such as minerals, grains, coal, and cement, the Draft Survey is the most reliable and internationally accepted method for determining cargo weight. Our highly skilled surveyors perform precise calculations based on the vessel’s displacement before and after loading or discharging, providing an accurate, reliable figure for bills of lading, customs purposes, and commercial settlement.

Loading & Discharge: Tally, Supervision & Condition

The moments of loading and discharge are where cargo is most vulnerable. Our expert Discharge and Loading Surveys provide comprehensive oversight of the entire operation. This includes meticulous Tally Surveys for bagged and break-bulk cargo, where our independent clerks deliver a verified, real-time count that serves as your definitive proof against shortages. We supervise handling procedures to promote safety and efficiency, while our detailed Condition Surveys document the state of your cargo, protecting you from claims related to pre-existing damage.

Cargo Damage Surveys & Loss Prevention

Cargo Damage Surveys

In the unfortunate event of cargo damage, our rapid response team is deployed to conduct a thorough investigation. We determine the root cause and full extent of the loss, providing a detailed, evidence-based report that is crucial for supporting insurance claims and facilitating swift, fair settlements.

Proactive Loss Prevention & Control

The most effective way to manage risk is to prevent it. Our Loss Prevention and Control services are designed to do just that. We act as your strategic partners, assessing stowage plans, verifying lashing and securing, and advising on best-practice handling procedures. This proactive oversight helps safeguard your cargo, minimize potential liabilities, and protect your investments before they are at risk.

Core Expertise in Dry Cargo Inspections

Our specialization is the physical inspection and verification of dry cargo. We provide the critical, on-the-ground intelligence that empowers shippers, insurers, and receivers to trade with confidence. Our expertise is your assurance that the quantity is verified, the quality is confirmed, and the handling is supervised to the highest standards.

Bulk & Dry Cargo Quantity & Condition

For loose, high-volume cargo like minerals, grains, and coal, accuracy is non-negotiable. We conduct high-precision Draft Surveys to establish the definitive cargo weight, providing the impartial certification needed for commercial settlements. Before loading, our Hold Cleanliness Inspections are vital to prevent contamination and protect product quality.

Bagged & Soft Commodity Inspection

For agricultural goods such as sugar, rice, and fertilizers, we are your partners in quality control. Our independent Tally Supervision provides an exact count during loading and discharge, eliminating shortages. We conduct Condition Surveys and Sampling to verify the product meets all contractual specifications, protecting you from disputes.

Project Cargo, Steel & General Goods

High-value and oversized shipments demand specialized oversight. We provide expert supervision for Project & Heavy Lift Cargo, assessing stowage plans and verifying lashing and securing. For steel products and general break-bulk, our Pre-Shipment and Condition Surveys document the cargo’s state, mitigating risks associated with handling damage.

Ports Covered in Africa

We provide expert inspection services in over 45 major ports across Africa. Our extensive network gives us the unique capacity to conduct multi-port inspections, providing a continuous chain of audit and supporting loss prevention efforts for your cargo operations that span several locations. This seamless oversight promotes consistent quality control and risk management from the first port of call to the last.

Specialized Commodity and Cargo Expertise

Different cargoes require different inspection protocols. Our teams have specialized experience across a wide range of dry cargo types:

Soft and Agricultural Commodities

We are experts in the inspection of grains, sugar, rice, fertilizers, and other “soft” commodities. Our services include pre-shipment inspection, sampling for quality analysis, supervision of bagging and stowage, and verification of weight by draft survey or weighbridge.

Minerals, Metals, and Project Cargo

We provide supervision and quantity/quality verification for mineral ores, concentrates, and steel products. For high-value project cargo and heavy lift items, our surveyors assess lifting plans, and supervise loading, stowage, lashing, and securing to promote safe and compliant transport.