Draft Survey & Marine Services

Failure to accurately calculate the quantity of an agricultural commodity cargo can result in contractual noncompliance, leading to inaccuracy of the declared quantity.

Quantity is measured by comparing the differences in the vessel’s displacement before and after loading or discharge. However, factors such as water density, ballast and on-board consumables are also considered in these calculations.

Certify cargo quantity

We provide comprehensive draft survey solutions in most major agricultural commodity ports in the world. Our surveyors work in accordance with defined international guidelines and consider all external factors that may impact the accuracy of the calculation. We utilize unique draft survey measuring devices enhancing safety, and standardized software to calculate the raw data collected by the surveyors. This enables calculation of the weight loaded or discharged using a globally recognized, standardized draft survey protocol. Our report can then be used to certify the quantity of your cargo.

Our comprehensive range of inspection solutions

Draft survey and marine services are part of our comprehensive range of inspection solutions designed to help ensure your agricultural commodities reach their target market in prime condition.

To mitigate the risk of discrepancies, we invented and globally patented a unique system for draft reading measurements: the SGS Draft Survey Tool.

Other services include on- and off- hire surveys, suitability and bunker surveys, cleanliness, quality and quantity inspections, and damage inspections.

The Draft Survey Tool

Used exclusively by our experts, this unique market solution reduces the margin of error, improving the accuracy of draft mark readings, and supporting you to meet your contractual requirements.

Once measured, our draft surveyors feed the raw data from their readings into our draft survey software which calculates the weight loaded (or discharged) using the internationally standardized draft survey protocol. The results are then compiled into a draft survey report which you can use as the basis for your cargo’s quantity certification.