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Why Choose Observater?
Unmatched Nationwide Expertise
Our deep operational knowledge of Tanzania’s port ecosystem, from the bustling terminals of Dar es Salaam to the strategic ports of Tanga and Mtwara, ensures your surveys are conducted with maximum efficiency.
Comprehensive Service Suite
From container inspections in Dar es Salaam to commodity surveys in Mtwara, we are your single point of contact for every type of cargo survey, simplifying your logistics across Tanzania.
24/7 Availability Across Tanzania
Port operations don’t stop, and neither do we. Our teams across Tanzania are available around the clock to respond to urgent requests and attend to your vessels and cargo at any time.
Our Core Expertise: Your Advocates in Tanzanian Ports
Bunker Surveys
We provide precise and reliable bunker surveying services across all Tanzanian ports, including Dar es Salaam and Tanga, for ship owners, charterers, and operators. Our expert surveyors ensure accurate fuel measurements during ON/OFF HIRE BUNKER SURVEYS, Bunker Quantity Surveys (BQS), and ROB checks to prevent disputes and control your most significant operational cost.
Draft Surveys
As the internationally recognized method for bulk cargo weight determination, our independent draft surveys in Tanzania are essential. Our expert DRAFT SURVEYORS conduct thorough initial and final draft readings to accurately establish the quantity of cargo loaded or discharged, providing you with a certified weight figure that protects against claims and shortages.
P&I and H&M Surveys
We act as the trusted local correspondents for the world’s leading insurers. Our team provides urgent, independent surveys for P&I Club representation and insurers, investigating a wide range of incidents from cargo-related claims and draft survey disputes to pollution and crew injury. For underwriters, we conduct thorough Hull & Machinery (H&M) surveys to assess the cause and extent of damage to vessels anywhere in Tanzania, providing the detailed, factual reports needed for claims handling.
Liquid Cargo & Discharge Superintendence
For liquid bulk and petroleum products, our specialized surveyors offer comprehensive oversight in all Tanzanian ports. We conduct tank cleanliness inspections, ullage measurements, and ROB/OBQ calculations to ensure quantity accuracy and prevent contamination. As your discharge superintendents, we manage the entire offloading process, ensuring operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with your charter party agreements, minimizing turnaround time and protecting your interests.
Loss Prevention & Full-Cycle Superintendence
Worried about cargo shortages between the vessel and your warehouse? Our loss control services are designed to protect your interests at every stage. We provide end-to-end supervision, starting with certified draft surveys to establish the initial cargo quantity and independent tally surveys during discharge to verify every unit. Our oversight continues beyond the port gates, with supervision during transit and final delivery to the consignee’s/receiver’s warehouse, ensuring a secure and fully accounted-for supply chain.
Cargo Damage Surveys
When your cargo arrives damaged at any Tanzanian port, our team responds immediately. We conduct urgent joint surveys to investigate the cause, nature, and extent of the damage. Our detailed, evidence-based reports are a critical tool for any insurance claim, providing the impartial documentation needed to prove liability for incidents in Dar es Salaam, Tanga, or any other port in Tanzania.
Claims & Recovery Support
In the unfortunate event of cargo damage, our service extends beyond the initial survey. We provide expert support for claims and recovery across Tanzania. Our team helps mitigate further damage, advises on salvage options, and uses our detailed survey findings to help you successfully recover your losses from liable third parties, ensuring your interests are protected.
Our Surveys in Photos
Our surveys in Tanzania are conducted by highly trained and experienced professionals, providing you with unparalleled on-the-ground expertise.
Cargo Damage Surveys
Container Inspections
Marine & Bunker Surveys
Steel & Breakbulk Cargo
Project Cargo & MWS
Commodity Surveys
Bulk Grain Operations
Bagged Cargo Discharge Tally
Draft & Weight Surveys
Container Terminal Operations
Stuffing & Lashing Supervision
Reefer Container Monitoring
Draft Survey, Accurate Density Reading
Heavy Lift Inspections
Project Cargo Surveys
Ship Crane Damage Surveys
Cargo Damage Surveys
Cargo Wetting Damage Surveys
Breakbulk Cargo Surveys
Reefer Container Damage Surveys
Scrap Pre-shipment Metal Surveys
Project Cargo Surveys
Discharge and Tally Surveys
Marine Warranty & Heavy Lift Surveys
Coffee Container Stuffing Inspections
Agri Produce Export Support
Container Stripping, Loss Control & Tally Surveys
Our Comprehensive Suite of Cargo Surveys in Tanzania
Containerized Cargo Inspections
Full-cycle oversight for all containerized goods in Tanzania, ensuring integrity from seal to de-stuffing.
- Container Condition Surveys
- Stuffing & Lashing Supervision
- Cross-Stuffing & Transloading
- Container Stripping (De-stuffing)
- Seal Verification & Integrity Checks
- Reefer Container Monitoring
- Flexitank Fitting & Discharge
- Container Damage Surveys
- Cleanliness Inspections
- CSC Plate Verification
- On/Off Hire Container Surveys
- Cargo Tally during Stuffing/Stripping
Commodity Surveys
Expert verification of quality and quantity for agricultural and mineral commodities throughout Tanzania.
- Pre-Shipment Inspection
- Quality & Quantity Verification
- Sampling & Analysis Coordination
- Weight Verification (Weighbridge)
- Bagging & Packaging Supervision
- Warehouse & Stockpile Audits
- Temperature & Moisture Control
- Fumigation Supervision
- Agricultural Product Grading
- Mineral & Ore Sampling
- Scrap Metal Inspections
- Loading/Discharge Supervision
Breakbulk & Project Cargo
Specialized oversight for non-containerized, high-value, and oversized cargo arriving at any port in Tanzania.
- Cargo Tally & Condition Surveys
- Discharge & Out-turn Surveys
- Volumetric Measurement Surveys
- Freight Calculation Surveys
- Steel Products (Coils, Plates, Pipes)
- Project Cargo Handling Supervision
- Heavy Lift Operations Oversight
- Marine Warranty Survey (MWS)
- Lashing & Securing Surveys
- Vessel Suitability Inspections
- Stowage Plan Verification
- Damage & Loss Control
Liquid Cargo & Petroleum
Precise measurement and loss control for all liquid bulk shipments at terminals across Tanzania.
- Tank Cleanliness Inspection
- First Foot & Pre-load Samples
- Ullage & Temperature Measurement
- API/ASTM Calculation
- Bunker Surveys (On/Off Hire)
- Shore Tank Gauging
- Pipeline & Hose Inspection
- Discharge & Loading Supervision
- ROB/OBQ Determination
- Sampling & Analysis Coordination
- Contamination Investigation
- Cargo Loss Control
Your Surveying Partner in Tanzanian Ports
Expert, independent verification and loss prevention services for every type of cargo and marine survey across Tanzania.
Cargo Damage Surveys
When your cargo arrives damaged in the port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, you need an immediate, independent assessment. Our expert surveyors provide urgent, on-site damage inspections to determine the cause, nature, and extent of the loss. We issue detailed, evidence-based reports that are critical for holding liable parties accountable and form the foundation of any successful insurance claim.
Bunker & Draft Surveys
Protect your assets with certified, independent surveys in all Tanzanian ports. Our bunker surveys provide precise fuel quantity verification nationwide to prevent disputes. Our draft surveys deliver an internationally recognized, certified weight for bulk cargo, safeguarding you against claims of shortage. We are your trusted partner for accurate measurement from Dar es Salaam to Mtwara.
Loss Adjusting
As leading loss adjusters in Tanzania, we provide impartial, expert investigation and evaluation for complex insurance claims. We act as an independent third party to determine the cause and quantum of a loss, ensuring a fair and equitable settlement. Our role is to manage the claims process efficiently, mitigate losses, and provide clear, authoritative reporting to all stakeholders nationwide.
Claims Management
Navigating cargo claims in Tanzania requires local expertise and relentless advocacy. Our claims management service handles the entire process on your behalf, from initial notification and survey to final recovery. We leverage our survey findings and deep knowledge of Tanzanian maritime law to pursue your claim vigorously, ensuring you recover the maximum amount from liable parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide a surveyor at short notice in Dar es Salaam?
Yes. Our 24/7 availability means we can deploy a surveyor to any terminal in Dar es Salaam and other major Tanzanian ports at very short notice to meet your urgent operational needs.
Do you offer services in other Tanzanian ports besides Dar es Salaam?
Absolutely. We maintain a nationwide network of surveyors. Our services are available at all major Tanzanian ports, including Tanga, Mtwara, Zanzibar, and others. We are your single point of contact for surveys across the country.
What is the difference between a tally survey and an out-turn survey?
A tally survey is the process of counting each piece or unit of cargo as it is loaded onto or discharged from a vessel. An out-turn survey is a more comprehensive report created after discharge is complete, detailing the final count, condition of the cargo, and any damages or discrepancies noted during the operation.
Get Expert Oversight for Your Cargo in Tanzania
Ensure the quality, quantity, and safety of your cargo. Partner with Tanzania’s leading survey experts for unparalleled service and peace of mind. Contact our team for immediate assistance.
Contact Our Tanzania Desk Now