© 2026 Observater Surveys and Services Group. All rights reserved.
Protecting Your Commercial Interests in Vietnam
Inaccurate measurements of cargo are a primary source of financial loss. An independent survey is your most effective tool for risk mitigation.
The Risk of Cargo Shortage
Disputes over the quantity of bulk cargo (like rice, coal, or clinker) or breakbulk goods loaded or discharged can lead to significant claims and commercial disputes.
Charter Party & Commercial Disputes
Disagreements over cargo weight based on Bill of Lading figures can lead to costly delays, freight payment issues, and legal conflicts.
Tired of Cargo Quantity Disputes in Vietnam?
The Reality of Port Operations in Vietnam
Without an independent expert on your side, you are exposed. Relying solely on shore scales for bulk cargo or shipper’s figures for breakbulk creates a significant financial risk. Shortages are a constant threat. Disputes over quantities can sour commercial relationships and lead to costly arbitration. You are left questioning every transaction, eroding trust and impacting your bottom line.
The Observater Solution: Certainty & Control
We eliminate the uncertainty. By appointing Observater, you place an impartial, highly trained expert on site whose sole purpose is to protect your interests. We replace doubt with facts, providing you with definitive, evidence-based reports to take control of your operations in all of Vietnam’s major ports.
- ✓Accurate Cargo Weight: Our Draft Surveys provide the definitive weight for your bulk cargo.
- ✓Verified Cargo Count: Our Tally Surveys ensure the correct quantity of breakbulk cargo is handled.
- ✓Dispute Prevention: Our independent reports provide the final word in any disagreement.
Your Local Survey Experts Across Vietnam
We provide rapid, reliable, and precise survey services for all operations at all key Vietnamese ports.
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
As Vietnam’s commercial heart, we provide expert cargo surveys in Ho Chi Minh City, covering all terminals including Cat Lai, for container ships, tankers, and general cargo vessels.
Vung Tau (Cai Mep & Phu My)
Serving Vietnam’s deep-water terminals, we offer specialized draft surveys in Vung Tau, Cai Mep, and Phu My for the largest container vessels and bulk carriers.
Hai Phong
As the main gateway for Northern Vietnam, our team provides timely and accurate draft and cargo surveys in Hai Phong to ensure smooth operations for all vessel types.
Da Nang
At the hub of Central Vietnam, we provide comprehensive cargo surveys in Da Nang, supporting the region’s growing logistics and shipping activities.
Quy Nhon
Serving the central highlands, we offer reliable draft surveys in Quy Nhon, ensuring accuracy for vessels handling agricultural and wood product exports like wood chips and cassava.
Bridging Vietnam with Asia and The World
Our unparalleled strength lies in our integrated global network, leveraging Vietnam’s position as a powerhouse of Southeast Asian trade. We don’t just survey; we connect global markets. When you export high-value coffee or rice from Ho Chi Minh City or import critical project cargo into Hai Phong, our global network of experts is already preparing for its arrival at the destination. We deliver precision and verify condition at the load port, and we ensure that same precision and condition is maintained upon discharge, wherever that may be. This seamless, end-to-end oversight guarantees total accountability, minimizes disputes, and protects your financial interests across the entire international supply chain.
Comprehensive Marine & Cargo Services in Vietnam
We offer a full suite of services across Vietnam to protect your assets and interests.
Draft Surveys
For bulk cargo shipments like rice, coffee, coal, and clinker, a draft survey is the most reliable method of weight determination. Our expert surveyors meticulously measure the vessel’s displacement before and after loading/discharging to accurately calculate the cargo quantity, providing an independent basis for Bills of Lading and preventing commercial disputes.
Cargo Discharge/Loading & Tally Surveys
We provide on-site supervision of cargo operations to ensure proper handling, stowage, and securing. Our tally clerks conduct a piece-by-piece count of breakbulk, bagged goods (like rice), and project cargo, verifying quantities against shipping documents to prevent short-landing or over-landing claims.
Ship Condition Surveys
Before a vessel goes on or off-hire, a thorough condition survey is essential. We document the vessel’s structural integrity, cargo spaces, and equipment. This detailed report, complete with photographic evidence, serves as crucial proof of the vessel’s condition at the point of handover, protecting both ship owners and charterers from claims for pre-existing damages.
Loss Prevention
Our proactive loss prevention services are designed to mitigate risks before they result in a claim. We assess and advise on all aspects of the supply chain, from packaging and container stuffing to cargo securing and handling procedures. By identifying potential hazards early, we help you reduce insurance claims, protect your cargo, and enhance operational safety.
Expertise Across All Major Commodities
Our extensive experience in Vietnam covers a vast range of bulk and breakbulk cargoes.
Trusted for Marine Surveys in Vietnam
Our clients depend on our expertise for accurate and reliable surveys in all major Vietnamese ports.
“We required an urgent off-hire cargo supervision and condition survey in Ho Chi Minh City. Observater responded immediately, and their report was comprehensive, protecting us from a major claim. They are true professionals.”
– Chartering Manager, Global Operator
“For our coal imports into Hai Phong, Observater’s draft surveys are indispensable. Their accuracy gives us the confidence we need for our commercial documentation. Highly recommended.”
– Logistics Director, Industrial Conglomerate
Our Rigorous Survey Process in Vietnam
We follow a rigorous, transparent process to ensure every survey in Vietnam is accurate and conclusive.
- 1
Pre-Survey Analysis
For every survey in HCMC, Cai Mep, or Hai Phong, we begin by reviewing vessel details, stability booklets, and cargo manifests to identify potential areas of concern before our surveyor even arrives.
- 2
On-Site Measurement & Verification
Our surveyors, along with the Chief Officer, manually read draft marks or conduct piece-by-piece tally counts. This critical step ensures all parties witness the process firsthand.
- 3
International Standard Calculations
For draft surveys, we apply all necessary corrections for water density, trim, and list. This guarantees our calculations for the final cargo quantity are accurate and adhere to the highest international standards.
- 4
Definitive Reporting
A detailed report is prepared for every survey. It includes all measurements, calculations, photographs, and a summary of findings, providing you with a definitive and actionable document to support your commercial operations.
Our Surveys in Action
Our surveys are conducted by highly trained and experienced professionals, providing you with unparalleled on-the-ground expertise.
Draft Surveys
Draft Survey – Calculations
Cargo Tally Supervision
Breakbulk Cargo Tally
Pre-Loading Condition
Vessel Hold Inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an independent Draft Survey crucial for rice or coal shipments?
For high-volume commodities like rice, coal, or clinker, a draft survey is the most accurate and internationally accepted method to determine the cargo’s weight. It protects both buyer and seller by providing a reliable, independent weight certificate that forms the basis of the commercial invoice, preventing disputes over quantity.
What is the difference between a Draft Survey and a Tally Survey?
A Draft Survey determines the weight of bulk cargo (like coal) by measuring the vessel’s displacement. A Tally Survey is a physical piece-by-piece count of breakbulk cargo (like bags of rice, crates, or project cargo) to verify the quantity loaded or discharged against shipping documents.
Can you perform a Tally survey and a condition survey at the same time in Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. We frequently conduct combined surveys for vessels. Performing a Tally survey during cargo operations and a Condition survey for an on/off-hire during the same port call is an efficient and cost-effective way to protect your interests.
Secure Your Operations in Vietnam
Don’t leave your commercial and operational interests to chance. Appoint Vietnam’s leading marine and cargo survey experts to ensure accuracy, prevent loss, and protect your bottom line in all major ports.
Contact Our Vietnam Desk Now