Project cargo survey

A P&I survey is an inspection carried out for a marine insurance club that offers Protection and Indemnity (P&I) coverage.

These surveys can be proactive, examining a vessel’s condition to ensure it meets the club’s standards for risk management and seaworthiness, or reactive, investigating a claim after a maritime incident.

The primary purpose is to identify risks, assess damage, and establish liability to prevent future claims and losses.

For shipments moving through Italian ports and logistics hubs, the project cargo survey covers pre-loading inspection, loading and discharging supervision, and en-route checks, where applicable. The aim is to confirm that lifting equipment, transport vehicles, lashing materials, and stowage plans comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and contractual requirements, reducing the likelihood of damage, delays, and operational incidents.​

These surveys are crucial for stakeholders such as project owners, EPC contractors, shipowners, charterers, freight forwarders, and insurers involved in energy, offshore, oil and gas, renewables, and large infrastructure projects. By providing detailed reports, photographic evidence, and practical recommendations, project cargo surveys help prevent disputes and support effective claims management when transporting critical assets to and from Italy.

Why is a project cargo survey important for heavy and oversized shipments?

A project cargo survey is important because complex, heavy-lift and oversized units are highly exposed to damage during lifting, road transfer, port handling, and sea passage. The survey identifies technical and operational risks in advance and verifies that lifting, lashing, and stowage arrangements are appropriate, helping to prevent costly damage, delays, and claims.

What does a project cargo survey typically include?

A typical project cargo survey includes review of drawings and technical specifications, inspection of packaging and marking, verification of lifting and lashing plans, and on-site supervision of loading and discharging operations. The surveyor issues a detailed report with photographs, comments on non-conformities, and practical recommendations to improve safety and compliance along the route.

Who should request a project cargo survey and when?

Project cargo surveys are usually requested by project owners, EPC contractors, freight forwarders, shipowners, charterers, and marine insurers who need to protect high-value industrial assets during transport. The survey should be arranged before operations start, so that the surveyor can review technical documentation and then attend key stages such as packing, port handling, loading, sea voyage interface, and final unloading at the project site, especially for shipments involving Italian ports and corridors.