© 2026 Observater Surveys and Services Group. All rights reserved.
Securing the supply chain Across Ethiopia. From Dry Ports (Modjo, Kality, Semera) to Receiver Warehouses nationwide. We provide independent verification for Coffee Exports, Import Cargo, and Damage Claims anywhere in the country.
We apply international criteria to container inspections at Modjo and Kality, protecting you from unfair repair bills.
We document the exact condition of cargo upon arrival in Ethiopia, distinguishing between transit damage and origin damage.
Fully operational within Dry Ports (Modjo, Semera, Dire Dawa) and private warehouses across the country.
Instant photo reports via WhatsApp/Email. Know the status of your cargo the moment the seal is broken or applied.
The journey from Djibouti to Addis Ababa is long and rugged. Cargo that arrived safely at the port can shift, sweat, or be pilfered during the 800km road transit.
Observater Ethiopia removes the uncertainty. We act as your Independent Verification Partner at Dry Ports (Modjo, Semera, Dire Dawa) and private warehouses across the country. Whether you are an importer receiving goods or an exporter sending Ethiopia’s finest coffee to the world, we ensure the container and its contents are compliant, safe, and accounted for.
IICL Off-Hire Checks
Coffee & Sesame Lining
Stripping Tally
Transit Damage
Cargo doesn’t just appear in Ethiopia; it survives the Red Sea and the rugged corridor. We are unique because we don’t just wait for the truck to arrive. Our Djibouti Team is your first line of defense at the port.
We verify condition ex-tackle at DMP/SGTD. If damage is found upon landing, we notify you immediately before it loads onto the truck.
Container damaged at the port? We supervise the transfer of cargo to a sound unit in Djibouti Free Zone to prevent total loss during the road journey to Addis.
We compare the Djibouti Discharge Report with the Modjo Arrival Report. This proves exactly where pilferage or breakage happened (Sea vs. Road).
Stop chasing two different survey companies. We manage the chain to ensure total liability protection.
When the truck arrives at the Dry Port or your private warehouse, who is checking the seal? Who is counting the cartons? Our inspectors supervise the unstuffing process anywhere in Ethiopia to ensure you receive exactly what was manifested.
Ethiopia’s exports demand precision. Whether it’s the moisture sensitivity of coffee, the purity of sesame, or the cleanliness required for textiles, we ensure your cargo is “Fit for Export” before the doors close.
Strict “Food Grade” selection. We reject units with odors or stains.
For Hawassa/Bole Lemi exports. Focus on cleanliness and dryness.
Preventing leakage and cross-contamination claims.
Did the damage happen at sea, or on the road from Djibouti? Establishing the Time and Cause is vital for your claim. We conduct Joint Surveys at the receiver’s warehouse or Dry Port.
Checking load shift due to poor braking or bad roads. Verifying if lashing failed during the inland journey.
Using Silver Nitrate to test if wetting is fresh water (rain/road splash) or salt water (ship/sea). This determines carrier liability.
Analyzing cargo sweat vs container sweat. Common on the hot Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor.
For factories and infrastructure projects. When OOG cargo arrives on Flat Racks or Lowbeds, we supervise the unlashing and safe discharge to the ground.
Checking machinery for impact damage or corrosion incurred during road transport.
Ensuring chains and straps are removed safely without damaging the cargo.
Verifying lifting points and rigging gear before the lift begins.
Confirming the cargo is placed on level ground with proper dunnage/tarping.
For industrial chemicals and food-grade liquids arriving in Ethiopia. We inspect the tank condition upon arrival.
Safe discharge of flexitanks inside 20ft containers.
Don’t pay for damage you didn’t cause. When returning empty containers to the Shipping Line’s depot in Ethiopia (or Djibouti), we perform an Off-Hire Survey. We verify if dents/scratches are new or pre-existing, protecting your deposit and avoiding unfair repair invoices.
We go beyond the standard checklist. Our 15-point risk protocol protects Banks, Insurers, and Traders from the sophisticated fraud and loss risks inherent in the supply chain.
Audit of roof integrity, ventilation, and pest control (weevils/rodents) before cargo is stored.
Unannounced spot checks for Banks/Insurers to verify physical existence of collateral vs. book records.
7-Point check for light leaks, odors, and floor stains to reject unfit units before stuffing.
Inspection of truck beds for nails, oil, or wetness that could damage the bottom layer of cargo.
Recording Driver ID, License, and Truck Plate to establish a clear chain of custody.
Continuous monitoring to prevent “short loading” or hiding trash/sand inside the cargo stack.
24/7 attendance. We use flashlights and cameras to supervise high-risk night loadings.
Verification of dunnage bags, straps, and chocks to prevent load shift on rough roads.
Calculation of Desiccant needs and supervision of Kraft Paper lining to prevent container rain.
Supervising weighing of empty vs. loaded trucks to prevent “Ghost Cargo” fraud.
Application of Bolt/Electronic Seals, “Tug Test” verification, and photo documentation.
Continuous tally during transfer from truck to container to ensure no loss in the gap.
Verification of Dangerous Goods labeling, placarding, and segregation rules.
Checking fuel levels, battery, and temperature set-points for refrigerated perishables.
Drawing representative samples during loading for lab analysis according to international rules.
Your ultimate guide to Container Logistics, Liability, and Inspection in Ethiopia. Addressing the deep concerns of Shippers, Insurers, Forwarders, and Banks.
Secure your cargo operations with Ethiopia’s most detailed inspection team.
When precision matters, Observater Surveys Group is your Partner of Choice
© 2026 Observater Surveys and Services Group. All rights reserved.