Our services

By Bashan & Gilead Marine Services Pte Ltd (BGMS)

A Container Survey is a systematic inspection of shipping containers to assess their physical condition, structural integrity, and compliance with international standards. At BGMS, we conduct thorough container surveys to help ensure the safe and legal transport of cargo across the globe.

Containers serve as the primary protective structure for cargo during sea, land, and intermodal transportation. Surveying them is essential to minimize risks and maintain cargo safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Containers are exposed to harsh handling and environmental conditions. A container survey helps identify:

• Structural damages such as dents, corrosion, broken corner castings, or compromised welds
   
• Defective doors, locks, or hinges that could lead to cargo loss or injury
   
• Water ingress or holes that might damage moisture-sensitive cargo
   

Identifying and addressing these issues before loading protects both cargo and personnel.

International standards such as:

• CSC (Convention for Safe Containers)
   
• ISO standards
   
• Shipping line and terminal requirements
   

demand that containers be inspected and certified for use. Our surveys ensure that containers meet all applicable regulations, helping avoid delays, penalties, or rejected shipments.

In the event of cargo damage or loss, a container condition survey report provides:

• Pre-loading condition documentation
   
• Evidence for insurance claims or dispute resolution
   
• Clear delineation of responsibility among shipper, operator, and consignee
   

Survey reports are crucial in determining whether the damage arose from pre-existing container defects or occurred during transit.

By identifying containers that:

• Require maintenance or repair
   
• Are unfit for loading
   
• Pose potential liability risks
   

...shipping companies can avoid costly downtime, reject faulty units early, and reduce risks of cargo claims or regulatory fines.

Our team of qualified marine surveyors offers:

• Pre-shipment container inspections (Empty or loaded)
   
• On-hire and off-hire condition surveys
   
• Damage and repair assessment surveys
   
• CSC plate verification and compliance checks
   
• Photographic documentation and detailed reporting
   

We inspect dry containers, reefers, open tops, flat racks, and specialized containers, both at depots and on-site at terminals or yards.

• Fully independent and objective evaluations
   
• Experienced surveyors trained in container safety standards
   
• Detailed, insurance- and court-acceptable reports
   
• Fast response, on-site availability, and port terminal familiarity