Draught Surveying and Cargo Superintendency

SOCOTEC has been providing inspection services at ports for over 30 years. Our team of experienced and skilled operatives work closely with our customers as well as other stakeholders on site to provide vital information to support efficient loading and discharging operations, safeguarding cargo quality and proactively addressing any potential issues such as contamination.

We are accredited to ISO 17020 (inspection body 5104), which is a globally recognised standard signifying an inspection body's competence in conducting inspections. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to impartiality, technical expertise, professional reporting and consistent inspection practices, especially in relation to ships' inspection and draught surveys. Some of the benefits of this accreditation are global recognition, enhanced reliability, consistency and integrity in our inspection activities.

Draught Survey

Draught surveys provide an accurate method for measuring the quantity of cargo loaded onto or discharged from a bulk carrier. They are crucial for ensuring the correct amount of cargo is delivered, preventing disputes between ship owners and charterers, and maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Draught surveys are particularly significant in bulk shipping where cargo quantities can be substantial and even small discrepancies can have significant financial implications.

The process of conducting a draught survey involves several key steps, including measurement of the water density and temperature around the vessel, precise measurements of the ship's draught at various points - typically fore, aft, and midships - both before and after cargo operations. These measurements, along with the ship's known characteristics (such as its lightweight and load line information), are used to calculate the vessel's displacement. By comparing the displacement before and after loading or unloading, surveyors can determine the weight of cargo transferred. This process is based on Archimedes' principle but requires consideration of various factors including the ship's trim, list, and environmental conditions.

Our draught surveyors are integral members of our team, experienced in liaising with ships’ officers and port personnel to obtain accurate, current data in order to perform the calculations required to ultimately provide reliable, independent data for our clients.

CARGO SUPERINTENDENCY

Cargo superintendency is a critical service that involves overseeing and managing the loading, discharge, and transportation of various types of cargo. SOCOTEC provides superintendency services to shipowners, charterers, or cargo owners to ensure that cargo operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations and industry best practices. The role of our superintendents is essential in protecting the interests of our clients and maintaining the integrity of the cargo.

Our cargo superintendents are highly experienced, with extensive knowledge of different bulk cargo types, vessel specifications, and maritime regulations. They perform a wide range of tasks, including inspecting vessels for suitability and readiness to load specific cargoes, supervising loading and discharge operations, ensuring proper cargo handling and stowage, and verifying that the correct material, grade, or product is being handled.

Superintendents remain present throughout the entire operation to monitor progress, address any issues that arise, and provide regular communication to our clients. By employing SOCOTEC’s cargo superintendents, clients can mitigate risks, prevent claims, and ensure that cargo operations are conducted safely and efficiently.

CARGO SAMPLING

Bulk cargoes are often required to be sampled for reasons including quality control and commercial purposes. SOCOTEC's expert sampling team offers unparalleled precision and reliability for all your bulk material sampling needs. While renowned for our expertise in solid fuel sampling, our highly trained field samplers can sample any type of solid bulk cargo. From ores and minerals to agricultural products and more, we ensure accurate representation of your shipments, helping you maintain quality control, meet regulatory requirements, and optimise your supply chain. With SOCOTEC's global presence and commitment to excellence, port operators and cargo handlers can trust our sampling services to deliver timely, compliant, and cost-effective solutions for all bulk material inspection and certification needs.

SOCOTEC’s sampling capabilities extend beyond shipboard operations, and our skilled professionals are adept at conducting comprehensive sampling from various storage facilities, including port sheds and stockpiles. Whether your materials are in transit, temporarily stored, or awaiting shipment, our team can efficiently collect representative samples from these locations. This flexibility ensures consistent quality control throughout your supply chain, from point of origin to final destination. By utilising SOCOTEC's expertise in diverse sampling environments, you can maintain the integrity of your bulk materials at every stage of handling and storage, further enhancing your risk management and quality assurance processes.

CARGO ANALYSIS

SOCOTEC's commitment to quality extends beyond sampling to comprehensive laboratory analysis. Many of the materials we sample can be thoroughly examined at one of our extensive network of UKAS accredited laboratories. This seamless integration of sampling and analysis services provides you with a complete, end-to-end solution for material characterisation and quality assurance. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert technicians ensure that your samples are analysed with the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, adhering to international protocols and industry-specific requirements. From chemical composition to physical properties, our UKAS accredited laboratories deliver detailed, trustworthy results that enable informed decision-making and compliance with regulatory standards.