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Surveys at Millennium Intermodal, Inc.
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Millennium Intermodal offers all types of marine surveys for all ocean going vessels, tugs, work boats and barges.

 

Millennium Surveys

 

Pre-Loading Survey: The survey is conducted at the terminal to assess and determine the condition of the cargo prior to loading and to ascertain and ensure that all packing is adequate for the anticipated ocean carriage. Also, particular attention is given to the storage facilities that may be required by the various types of cargo. Pre-Loading recommendations are also carried out at the Export Packer's premises with reference to particular Purchase Orders that may require additional and individual attention. The priority of this phase is to ascertain any damage so that the damage may be rectified or items replaced immediately. Packages exhibiting suspect characteristics of possible internal damage are returned to the packer for re-evaluation and re-packing. Documentation in this phase ensures that the terminal receives all cargo in good order and isolates, if required at some later point in time, the possibilities of when and/or where a particular damage may have occurred to facilitate processing of claims. Another important aspect is to carry out Pre-Shipment Inspection is to ensure a smooth transaction passage for documentation, insurance valuation and import licensing. The costs and penalties of cargoes lying off or held up in dock because of inaccurate incomplete or unacceptable paperwork can be as very high and the delays are long. Before they are finally secured for shipment, our staff conducts exhaustive checks to ensure that the goods, their containment and the paperwork that is to direct their passage, all conform to contractual specifications. Random samples can be tested in independent laboratory conditions.  Packaging, containerization and stowage plans can be vetted to confirm that they reflect the destinations and conditions to be encountered before final transfer and the realization of your financial interest in the shipment.

 

Loading Survey: The Loading Survey involves advance discussions with the Vessel's Master and/or Port Captain, along with the Stevedore Superintendent regarding handling of cargo, stowage and securing. Loading would then basically require continuous monitoring with amendments made as and when required. Space and deadweight availability on the vessel, in relation to the anticipated Bookings and type of cargo to be shipped, are taken into consideration to formulate a proposed stowage plan with particular attention to care of cargo and safety of the vessel. In some cases, cargo bookings are prone to increase towards the actual time of loading the vessel, limitation of space and deadweight capacities may require short shipping of cargo, in the event of which, the Customer is immediately advised. This assessment of space or deadweight limitation must be calculated prior to commencement of loading so that lower priority Purchase Orders may be short-shipped without having to undergo expensive discharge or re-handling of cargo that may have already been loading on the vessel. Monitoring of loading includes verification of proper loading procedures and adequate stowage conditions that will preserve the cargo in good order throughout the voyage. The final phase of the loading consists of securing the cargo to withstand shifting due to 'moving' of the vessel in severe weather conditions during the intended voyage. Our standards of securing assist in the zero defect out-turn.

 

Cargo Survey(Bulk): We determine the condition of your cargo prior to & after discharge or prior to and after loading. The quantity of your cargo loaded or discharged is determined by vessel draft survey and suitability, condition, and cleanliness of the vessel is determined for the vessel designated to carry your cargo or suitability, condition, and cleanliness of the terminal designated to load or discharge your cargo.

 

Cargo Survey(Break Bulk): The condition of cargo is determined prior to loading or discharge or loading and adequacy of stowage and securing for intended ocean voyage. The nature, cause, and extent of damage resulting from ocean voyage and/or rough and improper handlingis then determined.

 

Cargo Survey(Project Cargo): The condition of cargo is determined prior to loading or discharge or loading and adequacy of stowage and securing for intended ocean voyage. The nature, cause, and extent of damage resulting from ocean voyage and/or rough and improper handlingis then determined. Assist vessel's crew in properly stowing and securing cargo for intended ocean voyage.

 

Cargo Survey(Containers): The adequacy of container for carriage of intended cargo, including visual examination and light and/or smoke testing. If required, we determine condition and count of cargo prior to loading of cargo into container at shipper's CFS station and witness and record container seal numbers. In case of cargo damage, determine nature, cause, and extent of damage, and with  wetting damage conducting silver nitrate and/or laboratory analysis to determine seawater presence.

 

Cargo Survey(Liquid Cargo): We determine quantity of liquid cargo on board by gauging, specific gravity and temperature. The quantity of cargo in shore tanks is determined by gauging, specific gravity and temperature.

Sampling of cargo in ship and shore tanks is performed. Comparison of cargo received or delivered by shore tank and vessel tank gauge is done. Determine Specific Gravity and ph of cargo.

 

Draft Survey(Bulk Cargoes): Draft survey is a means of determining the weight of material loaded onto or discharged from a vessel by measuring the displacement of water. By reading the initial displacement of the vessel (prior to loading or prior to discharge commencing) and then reading a final displacement (at the completion of loading or discharge), the weight of the material loaded can be determined. Although this sounds like a very simple process, it takes an experienced and highly qualified surveyor to produce an accurate weight. As well, during the draft readings, several other key factors have to be taken into account and measured before the weight of the cargo loaded or discharged can be determined. These include the density of the sea or river water, changes in the quantity of ballast between initial and final draft readings, and changes in the consumables on the vessel between initial and final draft readings (fuel oil, potable water, etc.). Access to the vessel draft tables is also required to allow for trim and deformation corrections. The accuracy of a weight determined by draft survey depends upon sea conditions at the time of loading or discharge (pitch and swell) and the weight of the cargo loaded when compared to the total capacity of the vessel.

 

Damage Survey: This is performed to assess the extent of damage, recommend repairs, estimate repair cost, and if requested, possible cause.

 

Pre-Purchase Survey: This is the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel. Condition and overall operation of the vessel should be examined. This covers structural integrity, electrical systems, the propulsion system, the fuel system, other machinery, navigation equipment, miscellaneous on-board systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance as well as an out-of-water inspection and a sea trial.

 

Condition & Valuation Survey: This is a report on the current condition of a vessel and its equipment, and the current value of the vessel. It assures the insurance company or financial institution that the vessel meets USCG, NFPA, & ABYC safety standards, and that it is insured for enough to replace it if damaged or lost. This inspection is performed so that the insurance company can determine whether or not the vessel is an acceptable risk. They are interested in structural integrity and safety for its intended use. Most insurance companies require a survey on older vessels. They will also want to know the vessel's fair market value.

 

Protection and Indemnity (P & I) Survey: This is a survey of not only the hull and machinery but also vessel operations, crew training and other applicable areas.

 

Appraisal Survey: This inspection is performed to gather enough information to justify or determine the fair market value of the vessel. This is normally needed for financing, estate settlements, donations and legal cases.

 

 Millennium Projects

 

The successful completion of any infrastructure development project involves movement of key items by sea, air, road, rail or any combination of these. The ability to manage these shipments from leaving a manufacturer's premises to their ultimate destination on site is critical to the completion of the venture. Millennium Projects offers co-ordinated cargo risk management - a complete service from pick up to final delivery, supervising the handling processes, involved with multi modal transport. At the core of the Millennium Projects service is data management and data sharing, combined with expert hands-on intervention and procedural control.

Our team members have sea experience, logistics management experience, high levels of expertise, both traditional and technological, and work to defined and agreed service standards.

Identifying key risk components

  • Analysis of critical items
  • Shipping procedure consultancy
  • Planning the transit
  • Departure and loading procedures
  • Shipboard operations
  • Monitoring the ocean transit
  • Discharge and arrival procedures
  • Destination site review from a cargo perspective
  • Contingency planning and crisis management 

 

Millennium Risk Control

 

At Millennium Risk Control, we understand the nature of risk in business and how it can be reduced or eradicated through carefully planned risk management programmes. We work on the principles of pro-active identification of risk, pre-emptive or preventative action and, should the worst happen, a structured and practical programme for recovery from a crisis situation with the minimum of detrimental effect to business, staff and company assets. All of the services we provide are tailored to the specific needs and unique characteristics of our client's business; we operate globally with a combination of local and internationally available resources to provide a unique managed solution. We provide this service for multinational companies, distributors, carriers and insurers. It is a worldwide service, combining local knowledge and cultural awareness with unequalled operational and technical global experience. We provide a range of predefined and tailored solutions;

  • Location reviews (suitability to store cargo, security, fire protection etc)
  • Whole supply chain risk reviews (routes, transit method, touch points, security, people)
  • Transportation process and procedure (build, develop and manage standard operation and security procedures)  
  • Security reviews (cargo & location security, cash in transit and other high value commodities)

 

Millennium Claims Services

 

Millennium Claims Services brings together an exceptional combination of technical knowledge, hands-on experience and national operations management expertise, focused on delivering a high quality claims service to clients. We provide a wide range of cargo survey and investigation services to our clients. 

  • Marine surveys & investigations
  • Freight liability
  • Claims management
  • Loss adjusting
  • Recoveries
  • Forensic accounting
  • Third Party Administration (TPA)

Through established network of partners, Millennium Claims Services provides insurance clients with an unparalleled range of products and services, from pre-risk assessments through to claims surveys and investigations.

 

Millennium Loss Control Services

 

Our Surveyor’s use their vast knowledge and experience to minimize losses in and ever evolving and demanding Petroleum industry. We eliminate both real and apparent losses by putting in place a loss control strategy that works to protect the financial interests of our clients. By being pro active our surveyors ensure that they strategically evaluate an operation to prevent, minimize or eradicate both real and apparent losses. This adds value to our principals commercial interests. Our expertise enables us to investigate, react and respond quickly and efficiently, thus preventing our clients from suffering financial losses by way of cargo shortages, contaminations and demurrage claims.

 

Millennium Technical Services

 

We offer marine services to national & international insurance industry and to clients operating in and around the global cargo, shipping, transportation and supply chain business sectors. Our specialist service capabilities include:

  • Marine Casualty 
  • Hull & Machinery
  • Port and Terminal Risk Assessments
  • P&I Services
  • Claims Surveying and Adjusting 
  • Risk Control and Security 
  • Recoveries

We offer our clients consistently high service standards coupled with an ongoing commitment to technical excellence and best practice.

 

Consultation & expert Witness Services:

  • Hazardous material regulations & compliance:  Hazardous Material Related Services are performed on behalf of National Cargo Bureau, Inc., as a non-exclusive surveyor, for compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and/or the IMDG Code
  • General cargo loading/stowage/securing
  • Maritime Incidents

Port Captain Services: We offer a network of experienced Port Captains who supervise operations in ports, make vital decisions regarding any port & stevedoring related issues and offer stow planning.


Pollution Safety Services: Our Pollution Safety Advisors (PSA) stay on board the vessel throughout the vessel’s stay in port and monitor the entire loading / discharge operation from the moment the gangway is placed till the loading arms are disconnected. Our PSA's come in particularly handy when language problems arise between vessel’s crew and terminal personnel. We work closely with ship’s staff and terminal representatives to ensure that smooth transfer of cargo takes place in accordance with OCIMF guidelines and that ISGOTT rules are followed and complied with at all times.