Cargo Surveyor & Marine Cargo Inspection Services | Independent Experts

Cargo Surveyor

A cargo surveyor is an independent marine professional responsible for the inspection, assessment and reporting of cargo condition and quantity throughout maritime transport operations. Cargo surveys are essential to protect the interests of shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, insurers and P&I Clubs by providing objective, technical and well-documented evidence.

Our cargo surveyor services cover the entire cargo lifecycle, from pre-loading inspections to discharge surveys and post-voyage claims support. We act strictly as independent inspectors, ensuring compliance with contractual terms, international maritime standards and best industry practices.

Cargo surveys are critical for bulk cargo, containerized cargo, break-bulk and project cargo operations. A properly executed cargo survey helps identify risks, prevent disputes and support claims in cases of cargo damage, shortage, contamination or handling deficiencies.

Our scope typically includes verification of cargo condition, packaging assessment, stowage inspection, loading and discharge supervision, quantity determination and documentation review. Each inspection is supported by photographic evidence, measurements and professional observations.

We work with shipowners, charterers, traders, freight forwarders, insurers and P&I Clubs, delivering clear, factual and defensible survey reports suitable for commercial, insurance and legal purposes. Our mission as cargo surveyors is to provide reliable technical information that supports sound decision-making and risk mitigation.

Cargo Survey Services | Marine Cargo Inspection & Supervision

Comprehensive cargo survey services including bulk cargo surveys, container inspections, break-bulk, project cargo and heavy lift cargo supervision by independent marine surveyors.

Bulk Cargo Inspections

Containerized Cargo Surveys

Our container cargo survey services include:

• Container condition inspections (interior and exterior)

• Cargo condition surveys inside containers

• Damage assessment to cargo and packaging

• Verification of lashing, securing, and stowage

• Surveys at terminals, depot,s and onboard vessels

• Post-discharge container inspections

We identify transport-related damage, improper stowage, inadequate packagi,ng and handling deficiencies.

VALENCIA Marine Services Inspect break bulk and project cargo, such as:

• Steel products, machinery, and heavy lifts

• Industrial equipment and oversized units

• Yachts, vehicles, and rolling cargo

Services include:

• Pre-shipment condition surveys

• Loading and lashing supervision

• Seafastening verification

• Discharge condition surveys

• Damage documentation and reporting

These surveys are critical for high-value and non-containerized cargo.

Break Bulk & Project Cargo Surveys

Loading & Discharge Supervision

Hatch Cover Inspections & Watertightness

Draft Surveys & Quantity Determination

Independent supervision during cargo operations, including:

• Monitoring loading and discharge procedures

• Verification of handling methods and equipment

• Identification of unsafe or improper practices

• Documentation of incidents during operations

• Photographic and written evidence

This service reduces exposure to handling damage and operational disputes.

VALENCIA Marine Services conducts hatch cover inspections to assess cargo hold integrity, including:

• Visual inspection of hatch covers, coamings, and seals

• Assessment of maintenance condition

• Watertightness testing (where applicable)

• Identification of potential water ingress risks

Essential for preventing cargo damage, especially for moisture-sensitive cargo.

Our draft survey services include:

• Initial, intermediate and final draft surveys

• Quantity determination by draft calculation

• Independent verification of loaded or discharged quantities

• Identification of discrepancies and shortages

Draft surveys provide objective quantity verification for bulk cargo operations.

Onboard Cargo Condition Surveys

VALENCIA Marine Services performs onboard cargo condition surveys to assess:

• Cargo condition during the voyage

• Damage, contamination, or deterioration

• Compliance with carriage requirements

• Evidence for insurance and claims purposes

Surveys can be conducted at sea, at anchorage, or in port.

Our container cargo survey services include:

• Container condition inspections (interior and exterior)

• Cargo condition surveys inside containers

• Damage assessment to cargo and packaging

• Verification of lashing, securing, and stowage

• Surveys at terminals, depot,s and onboard vessels

• Post-discharge container inspections

We identify transport-related damage, improper stowage, inadequate packagi,ng and handling deficiencies.

Reporting & Documentation

All maritime cargo surveys are supported by:

• Detailed written reports

• Clear photographic evidence

• Objective findings and conclusions

• Documentation suitable for insurance claims, P&I matters, and legal proceedings

Our reports are independent, factual, and technically defensible.

Who We Work For

VALENCIA Marine Services provides maritime cargo surveys for:

• Shipowners and operators

• Charterers and cargo interests

• Traders and commodity suppliers

• Insurers and P&I Clubs

• Logistics and shipping companies

• Legal and claims professionals

Why Choose Our Marine Cargo Surveyors

Independent and conflict-free surveys

• Experience across all cargo types and vessel classes

• Fast response at ports worldwide

• Technical expertise in maritime cargo operations

• Reports aligned with insurance and legal standards

Request a Maritime Cargo Survey

For maritime cargo surveys, ship cargo inspections, draft surveys or cargo damage assessments, contact our team to arrange professional assistance at origin, during transit or at destination