Container Survey Services

BES Africa provides reliable, independent container survey services that verify the physical condition, structural integrity, and fitness for purpose of shipping containers before, during, and after use. Whether you are loading a sensitive export cargo and need to confirm the container is clean and weathertight, documenting damage for an insurance or leasing dispute, or conducting a Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) before a critical shipment, BES Africa delivers the thorough, impartial assessment you need. We operate across Moroccan ports and throughout Africa, with experienced surveyors available 24/7 — we combine deep technical expertise with a fully integrated management system certified to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO 14001:2015 (Environment), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety) to deliver results you can trust.

What Our Container Survey Services Includes

• Pre-Loading Container Condition Survey — Before cargo is loaded, our surveyor inspects the container inside and out — checking the structural condition of the floor, walls, roof, and door frames, the integrity of all seals and gaskets, the condition of the door locking mechanisms, cleanliness, absence of contamination or odors, and the presence of any holes, cracks, or damage that could allow water or pest ingress. A pre-loading survey certificate confirms the container is fit for the intended cargo.
• Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) — A PTI verifies the mechanical and structural soundness of a container before a voyage or journey. BES Africa PTI surveys follow a systematic inspection protocol covering all structural components and operational systems, providing the PTI certificate required by shipping lines and leasing companies.
• Damage Assessment and Survey — When container damage occurs — whether from handling incidents, cargo shifting, or transit accidents — BES Africa conducts a thorough damage assessment documenting all damaged components, likely cause, repair recommendations, and estimated repair costs. Our damage survey reports are prepared in a format suitable for insurance claims, leasing company disputes, and carrier liability proceedings.
• Off-Hire Container Survey — When containers are returned at the end of a lease period, an independent BES Africa survey documents the condition of the unit relative to the on-hire survey or manufacturer specification — identifying any damage for which the lessee may be liable and distinguishing genuine damage from normal wear and tear.
• Container Sealing — Following a pre-loading survey, BES Africa can apply tamper-evident seals to the container, providing chain-of-custody documentation from load point to destination. Seal numbers and photographic evidence are included in the survey report.
• Reefer Container Inspection — For refrigerated containers, we inspect the refrigeration unit, temperature recording system, insulation integrity, drain plug condition, and overall suitability for temperature-controlled cargo — including pre-loading cool-down verification where required.

Why Independent Container Surveys Protect Your Interests

Container damage disputes between shippers, carriers, and leasing companies are extremely common — and without an independent condition survey at the critical point (loading, discharge, or return), there is no objective evidence of when damage occurred or who is responsible. A BES Africa container survey, conducted at the right time and documented with photographs and a signed report, provides that evidence. For cargo owners, the pre-loading survey confirms the container was fit for purpose when cargo was loaded — protecting against claims that cargo damage was caused by a pre-existing container defect. For leasing companies, the off-hire survey provides the documented basis for damage charges. For insurers, the survey report provides the evidence needed to assess and process a claim.

Industries We Serve

• Exporters and importers using containerized shipping
• Freight forwarders and logistics companies
• Container leasing and ownership companies
• Shipping lines and container operators
• Marine cargo insurers and P&I Clubs
• Port operators and container terminal managers

Our Container Survey Process

1. Container identification — Container number, ISO type code, and tare weight are recorded and verified.
2. External inspection — Systematic inspection of all external surfaces, corners, door frames, and undercarriage.
3. Internal inspection — Floor, walls, roof, and door seals inspected for cleanliness, structural integrity, and absence of defects.
4. Photographic documentation — All areas inspected, all damage found, and the container number are photographed systematically.
5. Report and certificate — Survey certificate and report issued to all nominated parties, typically same day for standard surveys.

Coverage and Availability

BES Africa container survey services are available at all Moroccan ports including Tangier-Med, Casablanca, Agadir, and Nador, as well as at key container logistics hubs across Africa. We operate 24/7 to meet vessel and terminal schedules.

➜ Go check certificate: View our ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015, and 45001:2018 certificates here