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Your Complete Cargo Claim Solution in Nigeria
We provide the immediate, expert, and end-to-end services required to turn a complex cargo damage incident into a resolved claim.
What is a Cargo Damage Survey?
A cargo damage survey is a vital, independent inspection conducted by a qualified surveyor to determine the cause, nature, and extent of damage to goods. In Nigeria, our surveyors immediately attend the vessel or warehouse in Lagos, Onne, or any location to provide an impartial, evidence-based report that forms the foundation of any successful insurance claim or recovery action.
How do you handle Loss Adjusting in Nigeria?
As professional loss adjusters, we act as an independent party to investigate the claim. We assess the financial value of the loss, consider policy liability, and provide expert advice on loss mitigation and salvage possibilities. Our deep knowledge of the Nigerian market ensures a fair and accurate quantification of the claim, facilitating a smooth settlement between the insured and the insurer.
What is your process for Claims Recovery?
Our service extends beyond the survey report. We provide full claims recovery support by using our findings to establish third-party liability. We assist in directing the claim against the responsible party—be it the shipping line, terminal, or haulier—providing the technical evidence and expert support needed to secure a successful financial recovery for our clients.
Our Core Expertise: Your Advocates in Nigerian Ports & Beyond
Cargo Damage Surveyors in Nigeria
As leading independent cargo damage surveyors in Nigeria, our primary role is to be your eyes and ears on the ground. We provide impartial, factual investigation at all key terminals, including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Onne, Warri, and Calabar. Our detailed reports establish the facts, forming the bedrock of any successful claim.
Loss Adjusters in Nigeria
Appointed by insurers and cargo owners and like minded industry partners; our loss adjusters in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and across Nigeria provide an expert assessment of the financial impact of a loss. We quantify the damage, advise on policy liability, and manage the entire process to ensure a fair and equitable settlement for all parties.
Claims Recovery Experts in Nigeria
Our expertise extends to claims recovery. We leverage our survey findings to establish liability and pursue recovery from third parties. We understand the Nigerian logistics chain, including transit cargo destined for neighbouring countries like Niger and Chad, ensuring accountability is correctly assigned.
Our Unmatched Start-to-Finish Process
1. Immediate Response & Joint Survey
Our 24/7 team immediately arranges a joint survey with all liable parties, preserving evidence and formally establishing the loss at the earliest opportunity.
2. Forensic Investigation
We thoroughly investigate to determine the root cause, nature, and full extent of the damage, leaving no question of liability unanswered.
3. Loss Mitigation & Salvage
Our first priority is to minimize your loss. We provide expert advice on segregation, reconditioning, and potential salvage sales to recover maximum value.
4. Quantification & Assessment
We accurately quantify the financial loss based on market value, repair costs, or depreciation, providing a clear and defensible claim amount.
5. Expert, Evidence-Based Reporting
You receive a comprehensive survey report with photographic evidence and an impartial conclusion—a powerful tool for your insurance claim or legal action.
6. Claims Recovery Support
We don’t just write a report and walk away. We stand by our findings and provide expert support to help you navigate the claims process and achieve a successful recovery.
Expertise Across All Cargo Types in Nigeria
Steel & Breakbulk
Expert surveys for rust, bending, and handling damage on coils, plates, pipes, and general cargo.
Soft Commodities
Surveys for contamination, water damage, and shortage on grains, cocoa, sugar, and other agricultural products.
Project & Heavy Lift Cargo
Specialized damage assessment for high-value industrial machinery, transformers, and oversized equipment.
Liquid Cargo & Chemicals
Investigation of contamination, loss, and leakage for petroleum products and industrial chemicals.
Containerized Goods
Damage surveys for all types of containerized cargo, including refrigerated goods, electronics, and FMCG.
Vehicles & Machinery
Condition and damage assessment for imported cars, trucks, and heavy construction machinery.
Case Studies: Our Expertise in Action
Real-world examples of how we protect our clients’ interests in Nigeria.
Case Study 1: Steel Coil Water Damage in Apapa
Challenge: A consignment of high-value steel coils arrived in Lagos with severe rusting. The carrier claimed the damage was pre-shipment.
Action: Our surveyor conducted an immediate joint survey, taking silver nitrate tests which proved the presence of chlorides, indicating saltwater contamination from the voyage, not freshwater rust from the mill.
Result: The irrefutable evidence in our report forced the carrier to accept full liability, leading to a successful claim recovery for our client, a major steel importer.
Case Study 2: Contaminated Bulk Grain in Onne
Challenge: A vessel carrying bulk wheat was rejected by receivers at Port Harcourt due to suspected contamination.
Action: We were appointed by P&I insurers. Our team boarded the vessel, took representative samples from all holds, and arranged for urgent laboratory analysis. We identified the source of contamination in one specific hold.
Result: We successfully segregated the sound cargo from the damaged, allowing the majority of the shipment to be accepted. We then advised on salvage options for the contaminated portion, significantly mitigating the overall loss.
Case Study 3: Handling Damage to Project Cargo
Challenge: A critical power transformer for a major infrastructure project was damaged during discharge at Tin Can Island Port.
Action: Our surveyor was on-site and immediately documented the improper lifting methods used by the terminal. We issued a letter of protest on the spot and supervised the safe movement of the unit to a secure area.
Result: Our immediate, documented intervention established clear liability against the terminal operator. This enabled our client, the freight forwarder, to recover the full cost of repairs without dispute, preventing project delays.
Case Study 4: Shortage on Containerized Goods
Challenge: A consignee reported a significant shortage of high-value electronics after de-stuffing a container at their warehouse.
Action: We were appointed to investigate. Our surveyor inspected the container, finding no signs of tampering. However, a careful review of the loading tally report from the port of origin revealed a clear discrepancy that had been missed.
Result: Our investigation proved the shortage occurred before shipment. This allowed the consignee to successfully claim against their supplier, exonerating the shipping line and clarifying the point of loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing I should do if my cargo arrives damaged?
Your immediate actions are critical. First, stop all handling to preserve evidence. Second, take reasonable steps to mitigate further loss (e.g., moving cargo out of the rain), making sure to photograph the process. Third, put all parties on notice in writing and call us immediately to arrange an urgent joint survey. This balanced approach protects both the evidence and your cargo.
What does ‘Loss Mitigation’ mean in practice?
Loss mitigation means taking reasonable, practical steps to prevent an existing bad situation from getting worse. This could involve moving wet cargo to a dry area, separating damaged goods from sound ones, or arranging for temporary repairs. Our surveyors will provide expert guidance on the best mitigation strategies for your specific situation, ensuring your actions are seen as reasonable by insurers and carriers.
Why is a joint survey so important in Nigeria?
A joint survey, attended by representatives from all potentially liable parties, ensures transparency and prevents disputes later on. Findings agreed upon during a joint survey are much harder to contest, which significantly strengthens your position during claim negotiations.
Protect Your Investment. Secure Your Claim.
Don’t let cargo damage become a total loss. Engage Nigeria’s leading damage survey experts to manage the process and fight for your recovery. Contact our team for immediate assistance.
Contact Our Nigeria Desk Now