Cargo condition and damage surveys

Knowing the condition of cargo at a defined point in the operation helps clarify what was observed and which issues still require investigation. TWS Maritime Service conducts condition and damage surveys to document the apparent state of goods and provide technical information to shippers, consignees, carriers, insurers and other contracting parties.

Services may be performed prior to loading, during handling operations, at discharge or after an incident has been identified. The scope is tailored to the goods, the purpose of the survey and the available access. As applicable, packages, packaging, identification, signs of impact, wetting, deformation, apparent contamination and other relevant alterations are observed. The description distinguishes observed damage from information received from third parties.

Contextualized photographs, references to the inspected lots and transport documents help link the findings to the cargo examined. Where required, sampling must have its procedure, identification, custody and any analysis defined in advance. Laboratory testing and specialist assessments are subject to specific engagement; a visual inspection alone does not permit conclusions regarding the composition, overall quality or origin of all damage.

The report sets out the methodology adopted, inspection conditions, observable extent of damage and limitations encountered. Where sufficient evidence is available, it presents considerations regarding probable causes and measures to reduce further deterioration, always distinguishing evidence, hypotheses and outstanding matters. The availability of previous records may be decisive for a consistent comparison.

TWS Brasil serves domestic and international client demands with field presence in Northern and Northeastern Brazil, subject to confirmation of service availability. Our work provides a documentary basis for operational, commercial and claims analyses. The technical opinion does not determine insurance coverage, legal liability or entitlement to indemnity.