The project cargo sector is witnessing a resurgence, with investments and developments increasing post-Covid. Nathan Christians of NC Surveyors underscores the critical role marine surveyors play in ensuring the safety and efficiency of these operations."We have some of the best expertise locally," says Christians, whose firm specialises in the project cargo sector. "We are seeing an increase in project cargo again after Covid brought projects to a near halt. With investment and development taking off again in South Africa and across southern Africa, there is much hope for more projects."He said there was a lot of interest in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind projects going up across South Africa."One should always appreciate the value of a surveyor, but particularly so in the energy sector. The presence of a skilled marine surveyor becomes indispensable."Christians emphasises the necessity of having a surveyor on the team to guarantee that no corners are cut and that the loading and discharge from vessels are conducted safely and securely."Surveyors are not just there to tick a box. Their involvement significantly reduces risk, protects your interests, and ensures a safer environment. From an insurance perspective, having a surveyor on board provides added safety and is fundamental in safeguarding your investments."Exporters, for example, often need to pay more attention to the importance of pre-shipment inspections, which can prevent significant issues upon arrival at the destination. "Without a proper inspection, you have no legal standing if something goes wrong. While taking photographs and writing reports may seem helpful, these have no legal weight unless performed by a qualified surveyor," explains Christians. "The same principle applies to imports. Frequent importers benefit from having a surveyor on site. Trained to spot issues that the untrained eye might miss, a competent surveyor can guide you on the dos and don'ts of unpacking cargo."In the project sector, particularly when it comes to heavy out-of-gauge cargo, a surveyor plays a critical role. "A surveyor can provide crucial guidance, assist in protecting your interests, ensure safety, and provide the necessary legal standing for insurance claims."With reduced sailings and vessels being rerouted, shipping lines are reluctant to handle any non-standard or out-of-gauge cargo.– Shreen Madray “The project cargo team at Turners Shipping, from left: Amrish Ruthenlal – project specialist, Shreen Madray – operations supervisor, Cheresse Pillay – import controller, and Vishnu Munien – national customs manager.
