© 2026 Observater Surveys and Services Group. All rights reserved.
From the bustling terminals of Maputo to the strategic corridor of Beira and the deep waters of Nacala. When the manifold opens, millions of dollars are at risk. Observater Africa acts as your independent eyes on the quay, ensuring that what was loaded is exactly what is discharged, protecting your margin in Mozambique’s complex logistics environment.
Risk is highest at the manifold. Loading and discharge are the critical vulnerability points where “paper losses,” temperature manipulation, and cross-contamination occur. Unlike passive surveyors, our Superintendents actively intervene. We verify line displacement, witness shore tank dips, and enforce pumping protocols to prevent demurrage. We stop the loss before the hose is disconnected.
A 0.5% variance on a tanker is a massive financial hit. Don’t let temperature errors cost you a fortune. Our Ullage Surveyors use strict ASTM tables—correcting for trim, list, and temperature stratification—to establish the true Standard Volume on board. We verify the OBQ and ROB to ensure nothing is hidden in the slop tanks.
Frustrating, isn’t it? Relying on terminal figures that never match the ship. Our Liquid Cargo Surveyors witness the shore tank dips and temperature readings personally. We check for water interface and sediment. We audit the pipeline fill status to ensure “line packing” isn’t used to hide cargo.
Demurrage kills profit. Slow pumping rates or terminal delays eat into your margin. Our Loading Masters attend the terminal to expedite operations. We coordinate between the ship’s pump room and the shore control to optimize flow rates, minimize stoppages, and ensure Crude Oil Washing (COW) is efficient.
Transferring cargo at sea carries high risk. We superintend STS Operations in the Mozambique Channel. We verify the fenders, check the hoses before connection, and monitor the transfer balance between mother and daughter vessels to prevent quantity disputes mid-ocean.
“Cappuccino” bunkers—fuel frothed with air—can register as tons of fuel that simply disappear once the bubbles settle. Frustrating? It’s theft. Our Bunker Surveyors sound the tanks and check the temperatures meticulously. We find the hidden pipes. We ensure you pay for fuel, not bubbles.
Loading clear chemicals or jet fuel into a dirty tank is a total loss. We conduct Wall Wash Tests for hydrocarbons and chlorides. We inspect coatings for breakdown. We fail tanks that aren’t “Water White” ready, because your product purity is non-negotiable.
If the shore line isn’t full, you lose cargo filling it. If it’s full of water, you contaminate your cargo. We verify the Line Displacement and packing status. We ensure pigging is conducted effectively to recover product remaining in the line (ROB) to the shore tank.
The vessel claims it’s empty. Is it? Sludge, unpumpable bottoms, and wedge formula calculations can hide significant volume. We conduct rigorous ROB Surveys. We apply the wedge formula. We ensure every pumpable liter is discharged to the receiver.
When figures don’t match, we find out why. We perform Daily Reconciliation of Vessel Experience Factor (VEF) against Shore Tank Receipts. We identify if the loss occurred in transit, at the manifold, or in the terminal piping network.
You shouldn’t have to guess if your ship is pumping. You shouldn’t have to chase agents for flow rates. We send Daily Situation Reports before you even wake up. Barrels discharged, pressure logs, delays, and ETD. Total visibility, zero panic.
Leaking flexibags are a nightmare. We supervise the fitting and loading of Flexibags and ISO Tanks. We check for bulkhead integrity, proper valve closure, and seal integrity. We ensure your liquid container cargo is safe for the ocean voyage.
Offshore discharge at Single Point Moorings requires specialized vigilance. We attend the vessel at the SPM. We monitor the floating hose connection, pressure logs, and flushing procedures to ensure accurate receipt at the inland refinery tank farm.
A leaking gasket at the manifold causes pollution and loss. We inspect the Manifold Connections and pressure test the loading arms/hoses. We verify that all unused sea valves are sealed and secured to prevent overboard discharge or theft.
When specification is questioned, what defense do you have? We draw Running Samples, First Foot Samples, and Composite Samples jointly with the Master. We seal them. That sample is your insurance policy against off-spec claims.
Meters drift. We verify the Flow Meter Readings against shore tank dips and ship figures. We check the meter calibration certificates and seal integrity. We ensure the volume on the ticket matches the physical volume transferred.
Water in diesel? Color degradation? We stand on the deck to Prevent Contamination. We monitor water cuts in shore tanks. We ensure proper segregation of lines. We protect your cargo quality as if it were our own.
Is the ship maintaining 100 PSI at the rail? If not, demurrage is not your fault. We log Pumping Pressure hourly. We create the performance data to fight the demurrage bill and prove when the ship was underperforming.
Between loading and discharge, anything can happen. We apply Security Seals to every manifold valve and Ullage port. If that seal is broken at discharge, we know immediately. It is the only way to prove integrity.
The loading arm strains the manifold. The jetty fender damages the hull. The terminal denies it. Frustrating? We issue the Damage Report immediately. We get the signature while the damage is fresh. We secure the claim.
Volume changes with heat. A 1-degree error changes the tonnage significantly. We use calibrated electronic thermometers. We measure Density and Temperature at three levels (Top, Middle, Bottom). We ensure the VCF calculation is exact.
Your high-spec chemical is pumped into a line full of dirty residue. The whole cargo is downgraded. We verify the Line Clearing procedures. We ensure the pigs are run. We check the shore tanks are dry. Purity is non-negotiable.
When the dispute lands in court, words aren’t enough. We provide real-time Photographic Evidence. The sample appearance, the manifold setup, the meter readings. We timestamp it. We give you the undeniable proof.
Something goes wrong. You want to be “nice.” But being nice loses legal standing. We draft and issue the Letter of Protest instantly upon any irregularity (slow pumping, difference in figures). We protect your legal position.
From Maputo to Beira, Nacala to Pemba. Observater Africa offers One Standard. One contact point. One reporting format. Reliability and integrity across all major Mozambique ports.
Trusted by Global Traders and Insurers
Shipping liquid cargo to a terminal in Maputo or Beira is an act of faith. You pay for 30,000 MT of Gasoil. The ship sails. Then… silence. You hope it arrives without water contamination or “ocean loss.” But hope is not a strategy. The reality of liquid transfer in Mozambique is harsh: line packing issues, temperature manipulation, and the constant risk of “paper shortages.”
Imagine the frustration of a 0.5% shortage on a standard tanker docking at Matola. That’s 150 MT—over $100,000 gone in a single voyage. The ship claims the shore tank is wrong. The terminal claims the ship is wrong. Your margin vanishes in the dispute.
Observater Africa is the solution to that uncertainty in Mozambique. We are your independent experts at the manifold. We provide the forensic, quick, and reliable support you need to turn anxiety into assurance. We don’t just report the dip; we investigate the variance, correct the VCF, and protect your interests with full traceability.
The primary import hub for Fuel (Gasoil, Mogas) and export of minerals. We handle shore tank gauging and ullage surveys at the Matola Oil Terminal.
The strategic gateway to Zimbabwe and Malawi. Critical for pipeline discharge operations and Vegetable Oil imports.
Deep-water logistics for the LNG sector and containerized liquid cargo. Specialized surveys for project cargo and fuel supply.
We know the specific risks of your product:
Technical interventions designed to relieve the stress of quantity disputes and operational delays in liquid bulk.
Quantity
High-precision determination of liquid cargo volume. We measure ullage, interface, and temperature, applying ASTM corrections to calculate Gross Standard Volume (GSV) and compare against Bill of Lading. Precision is key for high-value liquid assets.
Verification
Witnessing shore tank dips and temperature readings before and after transfer. We verify water cuts and calculate the shore received figure independently to stop “paper losses” and validate terminal figures.
Fuel
On-board confirmation of fuel oil quantity delivered. We sound tanks, check temperatures, and identify “Cappuccino” effects to ensure the vessel receives the exact metric tonnage invoiced by the bunker supplier. Fuel is money; we make sure you get every drop.
Operations
Complete operational oversight. We attend the terminal to coordinate operations. We align the ship and shore, optimize flow rates, and ensure COW is performed efficiently. We are your commercial conscience on the jetty.
Quality
Loading clear chemicals into a tank with previous cargo residue is a disaster. We perform Wall Wash tests and visual inspections. We check for hydrocarbons, chlorides, and odor. We ensure the tanks are “Water White” ready before loading begins.
Charter
The vessel claims it’s empty. Is it? Unpumpable bottoms and wedge residues can hide significant volume. We conduct rigorous Remaining On Board (ROB) surveys. We apply wedge formulas to calculate the exact volume left behind.
Transfer
Ship-to-Ship transfers at sea carry high risk. We superintend STS operations, verifying fender placement and hose integrity. We monitor the transfer balance between vessels to prevent discrepancies and ensure safe, pollution-free operations.
Pipeline
Your product pumped into a line full of water or old cargo? Contamination. We verify line displacement procedures. We ensure pigging is conducted effectively to clear the line and push the product into the shore tank, securing your full volume.
Container
Leaking flexibags are a nightmare. We supervise the fitting and loading of Flexibags and ISO Tanks. We check for bulkhead integrity, proper valve closure, and seal application. We ensure your liquid container cargo is safe for the ocean voyage.
Analysis
When ship and shore figures don’t match, we find out why. We perform Daily Reconciliation of the Vessel Experience Factor (VEF) against Shore Tank Receipts. We identify if the loss occurred in transit, at the manifold, or in the terminal piping network.
Safety
A leaking gasket at the manifold causes pollution and loss. We inspect the manifold connections and pressure test the loading arms/hoses. We verify that all unused sea valves are sealed and secured to prevent overboard discharge or theft.
Verification
Meters drift. We verify Flow Meter readings against shore tank dips. For road tankers, we station inspectors at the weighbridge to verify tare weights and prevent manipulation. We ensure the volume on the ticket matches the physical volume transferred.
Quality
When specification is questioned, what defense do you have? We draw Running Samples, First Foot Samples, and Composite Samples jointly with the Master according to ISO/ASTM standards. We seal them. That sample is your insurance policy.
Liability
The loading arm strains the manifold. The jetty fender damages the hull. The terminal denies it. Frustrating? We issue the Damage Report immediately. We get the signature while the damage is fresh. We secure the repair claim before the ship even casts off.
Finance
Is the ship maintaining 100 PSI at the rail? If not, demurrage is not your fault. We log Pumping Pressure hourly. We create the performance data to fight the demurrage bill and prove when the ship was underperforming or when the shore restricted flow.
Security
Between loading and discharge, anything can happen. We apply Security Seals to every manifold valve and Ullage port. If that seal is broken at discharge, we know immediately. It is the only way to prove that the loss didn’t happen on your watch.
Safety
Volume changes with heat. A 1-degree error changes the tonnage significantly. We use calibrated electronic thermometers. We measure Density and Temperature at three levels (Top, Middle, Bottom). We ensure the VCF calculation is exact.
Inventory
We perform periodic stock audits of shore tanks. We verify physical inventory against book figures using precise dipping and density measurement. We help you reconcile your stock and identify operational losses in the terminal.
Edible Oils
Palm Oil and Veg Oil require strict temperature management to prevent solidification (ROB). We audit the ship’s Heating Log history and witness the squeezing/sweeping of tanks to minimize unpumpable residues. We check for Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and moisture.
Forensic
When a loss exceeds 0.5%, standard reporting isn’t enough. We launch a full Loss Control Investigation. We analyze VEF trends, audit the terminal’s meter calibration history, and investigate potential theft or magic pipe diversions to recover your product.
Specialized Ops
Supervising the precise injection of additives (dyes, lubricity improvers) or on-board blending. We monitor injection rates vs. flow rates to ensure homogeneity and verify that the final blend meets commercial specifications.
You hoped for a clean discharge. Instead, you get a discrepancy report. The Bill of Lading says 10,000 MT. The shore tank receipt says 9,500 MT. Whether it’s Petroleum evaporation or Vegetable Oil solidification in the tank bottoms, that’s pure profit evaporating.
Imagine having a partner who stops that loss before it becomes a claim. Observater Africa implements a Total Loss Control protocol. We don’t just watch; we intervene. We audit meter calibration certificates, check heating coils for leaks, and cross-check figures against the vessel’s ullage. We seal the valves to stop diversion. We find your missing cargo before the ship sails.
Paying for 30,000MT and receiving 29,800MT destroys profitability. We prevent this by challenging the ship’s ullage figures and witnessing every shore tank dip. We stand between you and the ocean loss.
Off-spec cargo results in massive claims and rejected shipments. We draw joint samples according to strict ISO/ASTM standards and seal them with the Master. If a dispute arises, our samples are the legal benchmark.
We inspect the shore lines and ship’s tanks before operations. We ensure no previous cargo residue (like water or old product) contaminates your shipment, preventing a total loss of the consignment.
Every extra day at the jetty bleeds thousands. Our Loading Masters push the terminal for pumping rates, monitor logs, and ensure weather delays are accurately recorded to save you laytime. We are your speed advocates.
Terminals often deny damaging the ship’s manifold or hull. We document damage immediately, getting the acknowledgement signed before the ship sails, securing your right to recovery.
Fuel is your biggest cost. Our BQS surveyors detect “Cappuccino” bunkers and verify exact quantities on board, ensuring you aren’t short-changed by the bunker barge. We verify the temperature to ensure standard volume.
The Observater Difference
Real examples of how our independent superintendents saved clients money.
Scenario: Ship shore difference of 180 MT. Terminal claimed pipe was full.
Action: Our Surveyor verified the line displacement and found the shore line was initially empty, not full. We corrected the calculation.
Result: $150,000 Loss Avoided.
Scenario: Terminal presented a tank for MEG that had previously held Styrene.
Action: Our Surveyor performed a wall wash test which failed for hydrocarbons. We rejected the tank and forced cleaning.
Result: Entire Cargo Saved from Rejection.
Scenario: Mother vessel claimed 5,000 MT discharged. Daughter vessel received 4,800 MT.
Action: We audited the ROB of the Mother vessel and found “unpumpable” cargo that was actually pumpable. We forced stripping.
Result: 150 MT Recovered.
You cannot manage what you cannot see. Observater Africa uses Cloud-Based Reporting technologies. Our surveyors input gauging data into tablets quay-side, giving you a live dashboard of discharge progress, pumping rates, and remaining volume. This transparency allows you to make logistics decisions in real-time, not days later.
Sent every morning at 0800LT. Includes Prev 24hrs discharge volume, Balance on board, Pumping pressure logs, and ETD.
Every ullage report and photo is geotagged and timestamped. We provide an irrefutable digital record of when and where measurements were taken.
We don’t wait for the final report to tell you bad news. If we detect contamination, line blockage, or theft, we escalate to stakeholders immediately for remedial action.
Our superintendents on the job. From ullage readings on the tank deck to gauging in the terminal, we are always visible.
Don’t leave your discharge to chance. Appoint our Marine Surveyors to guarantee volume, protect quality, and minimize demurrage.
When precision matters, Observater Surveys Group is your Partner of Choice
© 2026 Observater Surveys and Services Group. All rights reserved.