Draught, Hatch & Bulk Cargo Surveys

Bulk cargo is normally a commodity cargo that is transported unpackaged in large quantities. It refers to material in either liquid or granular, particulate form, as a mass of relatively small solids, such as petroleum/crude oil/edible oil, grain, coal, and other such items.

From grains to coal and from sugar to cocoa, dry bulk cargoes cover a range of produce and raw materials that have two features in common: they are unpacked and are homogeneous. These two properties make it easier for dry bulk cargoes to be dropped or poured into the hold of a bulk carrier.

As the name suggests, dry bulk cargoes need to be kept dry, any moisture that finds its way into the cargo could ruin the entire load. Also, many dry bulk cargoes are classified as ‘Dangerous Goods’ requiring special attention during loading, transportation and discharge, which must be ensured and designated as such.

Apart from inspecting the goods or material, bulk cargo surveys for dry or liquid cargo will almost invariably involve Draught, Hatch survey. This would normally include the following activities; depending on contractual requirements:

• Pre-shipment Inspection
• Inspection of cleanliness and load worthiness of Vessel/Hatch
• Weighing and sampling of cargo for both solid and liquid cargoes
• Load port / disport inspection / survey
• Quantity determination / Assessment: Draught survey.
• Hatch & Hold survey to ensure cleanliness, hatch seal and water/weather proofing and to check and ensure cargo specific requirements
• Supervision of ship loading and discharge
• Supervision of standardization / bagging
• Cargo Damage Survey

We have carried our hatch & hold surveys, draught survey as well as supervision of discharge of various cargoes, mainly rice, wheat, sugar, soya bean oil and fertilizer.