Global Marine Services | Mariclaim
Global Marine Consultants

INTEGRATED
MARINE EXPERTISE

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.

24/7
Emergency Response
ISO
17020 Accredited
P&I
Club Correspondents
LEGAL
Expert Witness Ready

Marine Casualty & Claims

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.

Hull & Machinery (H&M)

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.

  • Crankshaft & Main Bearing failure analysis
  • Turbocharger disintegration & scavenging fire
  • Rudder stock & propeller blade damage assessment
  • Review of shipyard quotations & repair tenders

Collision & Grounding

Immediate attendance to assess impact damage and preserve evidence. We provide the technical data required for apportionment of liability in legal proceedings.

  • “Angle of Blow” & Speed of Impact analysis
  • AIS Data Retrieval & Trajectory Mapping
  • Hull deformation & steel renewal calculation
  • Bottom survey following grounding incidents

Cargo Claims (P&I)

Investigating cargo loss for P&I Clubs and Cargo Underwriters. We determine the root cause (pre-shipment condition vs. onboard negligence) and mitigate loss.

  • Silver Nitrate testing for seawater ingress
  • Grain spoilage & ventilation log analysis
  • Steel cargo rust, pitting & bending claims
  • Organization of salvage sales for damaged goods

Stevedore Liability

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.

  • Immediate issuance of “Stevedore Damage Reports”
  • CCTV footage review & witness statements
  • Repair cost estimation for recovery actions
  • Master’s advice on clause reservation

Pollution & MARPOL

Rapid response to oil spills or hazardous releases. We assist in containment coordination and document the environmental impact to manage potential fines.

  • Quantification of spilled volume
  • Monitoring of clean-up contractors
  • ITOPF & P&I Club liaison
  • Sampling of pollutant for “fingerprinting”

Fire & Explosion

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.

  • Origin & Cause investigation (NFPA 921 standards)
  • IMDG cargo segregation audit
  • Fire-fighting system performance review
  • Electrical fault tracing
Revenue Protection

Claims & Subrogation Recovery

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.

Subrogation

We gather the “Golden Thread” of evidence (contracts, logs, physical samples) to help insurers recover claim payouts from liable third parties (carriers, terminals, forwarders).

Loss of Hire (LOH)

We analyze repair timelines versus theoretical estimates to separate valid downtime from shipyard delays, ensuring owners claim the maximum valid LOH.

General Average (GA)

We assist Average Adjusters by meticulously valuing sacrifices (jettisoned cargo, water damage from firefighting) to ensure equitable contribution from all interests.

Expert Witness

Our senior surveyors are prepared to defend their technical findings under cross-examination in High Court or Arbitration proceedings.

Bunker & Liquid Cargo

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.

Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS)

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.

  • Strict Verification of Barge Tank Calibration Tables
  • Line Pack verification & Flow Meter (MFM) Cross-check
  • Cappuccino Effect (Air Entrainment) Detection
  • Immediate Letter of Protest (LOP) generation

221B Bunker Detective

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.

  • Sounding of all non-bunker spaces (voids/cofferdams)
  • Forensic analysis of Oil Record Book & Deck Logs
  • Specific Gravity verification to detect commingling
  • Recovery of “Hidden” ROB for Charterer’s credit

ISO 8217 Sampling

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.

  • Manifold Continuous Drip Sampling (Representative)
  • Tamper-proof Sealing & Unique Identification
  • Witnessing of Supplier’s sampling procedures
  • Secure dispatch to Accredited Laboratories

Lube Oil Survey

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.

  • Bulk transfer verification via Flow Meter
  • Physical drum inventory count & seal check
  • Grade verification (System vs Cylinder Oil)
  • ROB Audit for Off-Hire calculations

De-Bunkering Survey

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.

  • Offloaded quantity verification (Mass & Volume)
  • Pollution control monitoring during transfer
  • Sludge & Slops disposal certification
  • Barge ullaging before and after receipt

Fresh Water Survey

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.

  • Shore meter reading & Tank Sounding
  • Salinity (Chloride) spot testing
  • Verification of Potable Water Certificates
  • Shore-to-Ship variance investigation

Draft & Bulk Cargo

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.

Draft Survey (Initial/Final)

Calculating cargo weight by measuring water displacement. We correct for dock water density, trim, list, and hull deformation to issue a commercial weight certificate.

  • Hydrostatic Table analysis & Interpolation
  • Dock Water Density verification (Hydrometer)
  • Deduction of Consumables (Fuel, FW, Ballast)
  • Quarter Mean Draft calculation

Ultrasonic Hatch Test

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.

  • SDT Ultrasonic Leak Detection
  • Rubber packing & compression bar inspection
  • Drain channel & non-return valve check
  • Issuance of Weathertightness Certificate

Pre-Loading Condition

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.

  • Silver Nitrate testing for pre-shipment wetting
  • Rust grade classification (American/European scales)
  • Packaging integrity check
  • Clausing of Mate’s Receipts / Bills of Lading

Cargo Tally

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.

  • 24/7 Shift Tally Attendance
  • Daily Outturn Report reconciliation
  • Damaged bag separation & quantification
  • Final Outturn Certificate issuance

Container Inspection

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.

  • IICL / CIC Standard Assessment
  • Structural integrity (Corner posts, rails) check
  • Door seal & locking mechanism verification
  • Light leak test

Lashing & Securing

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.

  • Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) compliance check
  • Lashing material strength certification review
  • Calculation of tipping/sliding forces
  • Issuance of Lashing Certificate

Technical & Warranty

Pre-Purchase Inspection

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.

  • Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) review
  • Main Engine & Generator performance test
  • Class Records & Planned Maintenance System audit
  • Underwater Hull Inspection (if required)

On/Off Hire Condition

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.

  • Cargo Hold & Deck structure photography
  • Hatch Cover & Coaming condition check
  • Fuel ROB Verification (On-Hire/Off-Hire)
  • Dispute resolution for wear & tear claims

Marine Warranty (MWS)

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.

  • Towage Plan & Route Weather review
  • Bollard Pull calculation verification
  • Sea-fastening & Lashing strength analysis
  • Certificate of Approval (CoA) issuance

Towage Approval

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.

  • Tug suitability & Bollard Pull verification
  • Towing gear (wire, stretcher, fuse) inspection
  • Emergency Towing Arrangement check
  • Bridle & Shackle certification review

Valuation Survey

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.

  • Market Analysis & Comparable Sales review
  • Maintenance status & Asset condition grading
  • Estimated Remaining Useful Life assessment
  • Willing Buyer / Willing Seller valuation

P&I Entry Condition

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.

  • Safety Management System (SMS) implementation check
  • Crew competency & Manning verification
  • LSA/FFA equipment operational test
  • Cargo worthiness assessment

Ready to Mobilize?

Our operations team covers major ports across Africa and Asia. Contact us 24/7 for a competitive quote or immediate attendance.

Mariclaim Global Operations Map
Global Network

Ports covered in Africa

75+ Active Ports

Our team is currently deployed in the following key maritime hubs.