The definitive technical partner for Shipowners, P&I Clubs, and H&M Underwriters. From high-stakes Casualty Investigations to precision Bunker Quantity Surveys, we provide the forensic data that drives multi-million dollar commercial decisions across Africa and Asia.
When a marine casualty occurs, the quality of the initial survey determines the trajectory of the claim. Mariclaim acts as the eyes and ears of Underwriters and Owners, documenting the Nature, Cause, and Extent of damage with forensic precision. We move beyond simple reporting to provide actionable analysis on liability and quantum.
Comprehensive investigation of structural and mechanical failures for H&M Underwriters. We differentiate between ‘wear and tear’ exclusions and valid ‘perils of the sea’ claims.
Immediate attendance to assess impact damage and preserve evidence. We provide the technical data required for apportionment of liability in legal proceedings.
Investigating cargo loss for P&I Clubs and Cargo Underwriters. We determine the root cause (pre-shipment condition vs. onboard negligence) and mitigate loss.
Documenting damage to vessel structures (cranes, rails, hatch coamings) caused by terminal operators. Speed is critical to avoid time-bar clauses in the terminal agreement.
Rapid response to oil spills or hazardous releases. We assist in containment coordination and document the environmental impact to manage potential fines.
Complex forensic investigation into the origin of fires (engine room, cargo hold, accommodation). We assist to determine if the cause was fortuitous or a lack of due diligence.
A survey report is only as good as the money it recovers. We structure our findings specifically to support legal subrogation, ensuring that the evidence chain holds up in arbitration.
We gather the “Golden Thread” of evidence (contracts, logs, physical samples) to help insurers recover claim payouts from liable third parties (carriers, terminals, forwarders).
We analyze repair timelines versus theoretical estimates to separate valid downtime from shipyard delays, ensuring owners claim the maximum valid LOH.
We assist Average Adjusters by meticulously valuing sacrifices (jettisoned cargo, water damage from firefighting) to ensure equitable contribution from all interests.
Our senior surveyors are prepared to defend their technical findings under cross-examination in High Court or Arbitration proceedings.
Fuel accounts for up to 60% of vessel operating costs. In an era of high prices and complex VLSFO blends, precision is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Our surveyors act as your first line of defense against short deliveries and poor quality, adhering strictly to ISO and ASTM standards.
We witness opening and closing gauges, verify reference heights, and apply ASTM Tables 54B/56 for VCF/WCF. We monitor the entire transfer to ensure the received mass matches the BDN.
An aggressive audit for charterers. We locate concealed fuel (“magic pipes”, modified gauges, hidden tanks) and audit engine logbooks against sea passage data to recover undeclared surplus.
The integrity of the sample is the foundation of any quality claim. We witness continuous drip sampling at the vessel’s manifold, ensuring strict Chain of Custody protocols.
Auditing high-value cylinder and system oils. We verify bulk deliveries via flow meter or tank sounding, and perform physical counts of drum stock to ensure accurate inventory reporting.
Managing the removal of off-spec fuel. We monitor pumping operations, certify quantities offloaded to barges/trucks, and ensure environmental compliance during the sensitive reverse-transfer process.
Verifying fresh water delivery quantities via meter or sounding. We also conduct quick field tests for salinity (chlorides) to ensure the water supplied is fit for consumption or technical use.
When shore scales are unavailable or unreliable, Archimedes’ Principle is the final arbiter. Our Draft Surveys are performed to UN ECE standards, providing accuracy within ±0.5% for bulk commodities.
Calculating cargo weight by measuring water displacement. We correct for dock water density, trim, list, and hull deformation to issue a commercial weight certificate.
Preventing wet damage claims before they happen. We test hatch cover weathertightness using Ultrasonic (UST) equipment or high-pressure hoses to certify the hold is watertight.
Documenting the condition of cargo (steel, bagged rice, breakbulk) before it is loaded. We identify pre-existing damage and clause the Mate’s Receipt to protect the carrier.
Physical counting of breakbulk or bagged cargo. Our tally clerks provide a real-time count during operations, reconciling daily figures against the manifest to identify shortages.
CSC safety inspections and condition reporting for ISO containers. We check for structural integrity, floor damage, and door seal condition for both On-Hire and Off-Hire interchanges.
Verifying that cargo is secured according to the Cargo Securing Manual (CSM). We inspect chains, turnbuckles, and dunnage to ensure cargo does not shift during the voyage.
A deep-dive technical audit for buyers. We inspect hull thickness, engine performance, deck gear, and class records to provide a “eyes-open” assessment of the asset’s CAPEX requirements.
Documenting the vessel’s physical condition at the start and end of a charter. We identify new damage versus pre-existing wear to prevent unfair repair claims against the charterer.
Risk mitigation for high-value operations. We review towage plans, sea-fastening of project cargo, and load-outs to issue the Certificate of Approval required by underwriters.
Inspecting tugs and tows for seaworthiness. We verify bollard pull, towing gear certification, and voyage planning to ensure the flotilla is safe for the intended voyage.
Determining Fair Market Value for banks and financiers. We assess the vessel’s condition relative to market trends to support mortgage applications or insurance valuation.
Risk assessment for P&I Clubs accepting new tonnage. We identify operational defects, maintenance standards, and manning issues that could pose a liability risk to the Club.
Our operations team covers major ports across Africa and Asia. Contact us 24/7 for a competitive quote or immediate attendance.
Our team is currently deployed in the following key maritime hubs.