Bulk carriers, or bulkers, are ships designed primarily for the transportation of solid bulk cargoes. These cargoes are generally uniform in composition and are loaded directly into the cargo space without any intermediate form of containment.
The range of solid bulk cargoes is considerable: iron ore, coal, grain, alumina, fertilisers, scrap, sugar, sulphur, cement etc. and not forgetting a large number of agricultural products for the human and animal food industry, such as rice, corn, tapioca, copra, palm expellers and also, since the late nineteen nineties, cocoa, steel product, granite in block, pipe and minor project cargoes
It is important to note that many of the solid bulk cargoes are classified under the International Dangerous Goods Code for Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC Code) and, as such, require special attention during loading, transportation and discharge.
SUPERCARGO - Cargo Superintendent (CSI)
Project Cargo Care started as a company with Cargo Superintendents, to control and manage the loading/discharging of bulk cargo vessels.
Our Port Captains/Supercargoes are all Master Mariners and can rely on many years of experience in this work all over the world.
As the CSI is working as a kingpin figure among all parties concerned, the CSI is there to protect the clients´ interests, save their time and worn them against extra expenses. The broad experience of our Port Captains/Supercargoes allow us to foresee and caution the client against undesirable situations on board the ship and solve problems when they occur. Constant supervision for proper stowage, separation and lashing of the cargo is a guarantee of quick and safe cargo operations.
The most common services our Cargo Superintendents can help with, when handling general, project- and heavy lift cargoes:
- Inspection-survey to products, goods, cargo
- Lashing monitoring, calculating and certification
- Vessel suitability survey for intended cargo and voyage
- Prevention inspection of damage and/or loss on goods
- Loss extent
- Supervision and coordination during operations
- Planning of load rotation and cargo handling procedures
- Reporting to and advising client before and during operations with regard to performance
- Fully comprehensive reporting after operations, including statement of facts, final stowage plan, diagrams of lashing arrangement, photos, etc.
Break Bulk Survey - Cargo Surveyors
General cargo, over-sized cargo or machinery, steel products, such as steel coils, bars, etc. This is a survey to determine the condition of the cargo at the time the vessel arrives at the port of discharge or before loading on board. Also involves the monitoring and documenting of the cargo handling during loading or discharging.We work for any party involve on the loading or discharging operations, appointed by: global inspection companies, ship owners, ship operators, exporters, importers, local agents, insurance companies, etc.
Cargo Damage Surveys
When cargo is affected, damaged, or even shortened, we can attend on behalf of any of the involved parties, in order to investigate and clarify the nature, cause and extension of damages. It may happen during port operations or even during navigation. In any case, we can also advice on mitigate damages and asses on the quantum of loss.
We work for Global Inspection Companies, P&I Clubs, Insurance companies, importers, exporters, ship operators, ship owners, charterers, stevedore companies, etc.
Draft Surveys
Are intended to determine the weight of cargo loaded or discharged from a ship. It measures the displacement of the water both before and after the loading or unloading, with the resulting difference between the two displacements representing the weight of the cargo. We carry out draft surveys according to defined international guidelines and always considering several key factors, including sea water density, changes in the ballast between initial and final draft readings, changes in the vessel’s fresh water, bunkers, etc., trim and deformation corrections, etc. We use data from the vessel’s draft tables.We use our technical skills and experience to accurately calculate initial and final draft survey calculations with our own templates or our client’s on request. Sometimes, intermediate calculations are required. Final results and certifications are sent at the end of the service.
We carry on draft surveys on behalf of charterers or owners, shippers, or consignees, appointed by a wide range of companies: Global Inspection Companies, Ship Managers, Ship Operators, Ship Owners, Ship Brokers, Charterers, Local Agents, P&I Clubs, Insurance Companies, etc.
Ultrasonic Test for Hatch Covers tightness
Loss of weather-tight integrity continues to be a constant factor leading to cargo damage which could result on a threat to the safety of the crew, the ship and its cargoes. Weather-tight means that in any sea conditions water will not penetrate the ship.
Ultrasounds are sounds with a frequency above 20 kHz and can be precisely measured. The basic equipment consists of and ultrasound generator, which is placed in the hold, and a receiver unit fitted with a microphone to receive the emitted ultrasound signals. It is a non-destructive method, non -invasive, can be used in all weather conditions, non-polluting, and can also be used in empty holds and holds containing cargo.
Cargo Hold or Cargo Tank Condition Survey
We can attend general cargo ships, bulk carriers or tankers, in order to asses the general condition of the cargo holds or cargo tanks, before start loading. We check the cargo spaces suitability for the intended cargo, in terms of cleanliness, coating, corrosion, previous cargo contamination, etc.
We carry on cargo holds and cargo tank condition surveys on behalf of charterers, owners, ships, exporters, importers, insurance companies, P&I Clubs, etc.
Sealing and Unsealing of cargo holds or cargo tanks
Hatch sealing survey scope is the the sealing of all cargo hold or cargo tank accesses, including hatch covers and manholes. These seals may be serialised and recorded at the request of our client. At the completion of the survey, we provide a Hatch Sealing Certificate, certifying that all hatches and accesses have been sealed. This certificate is signed by both the attending Surveyor and the vessel’s Master.
On discharge operations, we certified the integrity and serials of the seals before opening, and then issue a Hatch Unsealing Certificate.
Complementary Services
Depending on the circumstances of the occurrence, the damage survey usually becomes in a Casualty Investigation. Sometimes also port facilities are affected or damaged. In case of ship’s machinery breakdowns, we can also investigate the circumstances of the incident and follow up the repairs. Sometimes, at the request of our client, we can also carry out an ultrasonic test in order to assess the water tightness of the hatch covers. This may be of interest in case of a cargo damage affected by wet. We owns calibrated Cygnus Ultrasonic Equipment and specific operator training course.