What is the reason for conducting pre-shipment inspection on steel products?

Due to the high value of steel products, shipping carriers often have to bear high compensation costs for damages to such goods. Therefore, most international shipping carrier associations strictly require pre-shipment inspection of steel products before loading onto ships to assist carriers in cautious transportation and to distinguish carrier responsibility in case of cargo damage claims.

In steel trading, shipping carriers not only need to arrange the transportation of goods properly but also shoulder the responsibility of ensuring that the goods are not damaged during transportation. In other words, except for disasters caused by force majeure, the carrier is responsible for the safety of goods during transportation. Even if the carrier unknowingly loads problematic goods onto a ship and fails to discover them in time, they are likely to be liable for compensation if the goods are found damaged upon arrival at the destination port. Therefore, only by inspecting the goods before shipment according to contract requirements and bills of lading can we maximize prevention of substandard goods being loaded onto ships and minimize potential disputes and risks that carriers may face.

What should be noted during inspection work?

1.Inspect the corrosion and physical damage of the goods before loading onto the ship.

Corrosion, also known as rust, is the phenomenon of steel surface being damaged by interaction with surrounding media. Corrosion not only reduces the effective cross-sectional area of steel, but also produces local rust pits that cause stress concentration. It can significantly reduce the mechanical properties such as strength, plasticity and toughness of steel.

Before loading onto the ship, the goods may be intact, but certain conditions are likely to cause corrosion and other damages during the long sea transportation process. Objective records of these conditions will also play a positive role in identifying responsibilities afterwards.

Therefore, in addition to general observations and detailed records of the degree and distribution of corrosion, inspectors are required to analyze the composition of corrosion. Generally, silver nitrate reagent is used to detect whether chloride ions are present in corroded parts. If chloride ions are detected in corroded steel goods unloaded at destination port, it is very likely to be recognized as damage that occurred during sea transportation. There is another situation where goods may have had contact with chloride ions before loading onto the ship, such as transshipment cargo being contaminated by seawater during previous transportation stages or goods coming into contact with surging waves at the dock during storage period. Even sea breeze contains chloride ion components. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether corroded goods contain chloride ion components during pre-loading inspection for identifying responsibilities afterwards.

Due to factors such as shape, volume, size, and weight, it is difficult to secure steel during binding. Consequently, displacement can easily occur during shipping, compounded by improper handling practices, resulting in physical damage such as deformation or scratches. Therefore, it is necessary for inspection personnel to make detailed and objective records of the quantity and degree of damage.

2、Check the ship's cargo suitability and make recommendations

The precise prerequisites for the vessel's cargo hold to be deemed appropriate for the transportation, carriage, and preservation of steel cargo are as follows: immaculate, arid, impervious, equipped with an efficient sewage discharge mechanism and a ventilation system devoid of any malfunctions.In addition to visual inspection, tactile examination, and testing of relevant equipment and systems, the general methods of inspection may also include hatch cover flushing or ultrasonic inspection to assess the water tightness of the hatch cover. Prior to loading, inspectors thoroughly examine the cargo hold's condition and identify any defects. They then notify the ship of these issues, provide recommendations for rectification, and supervise the ship's efforts to ensure that these defects are effectively eliminated.

3.Oversee the loading and stowage operations and provide recommendations.

It is crucial to be vigilant as any harm inflicted on the cargo may result in a claim against the carrier by the cargo owner. As an inspector, it is particularly important to focus on the adequacy of padding, lashing, and ticketing measures.Ensure that the pad cabin material is immaculate and dry, adequately padded, and devoid of any physical damage caused by uneven cargo distribution. In addition to meeting the standard tightening requirements, the lashing work should also be reinforced based on anticipated wind and wave conditions during the voyage. Pay close attention to verifying the sufficiency of isolation materials to prevent any mixing of tickets and avoid contamination.

4、Inspection report

Upon completion of the loading process, it is imperative to apprise the first officer of the cargo's condition prior to loading. This will enable the first officer to endorse their receipt appropriately. The report need not be overly detailed at this juncture, but should elucidate the nature of any damage sustained by the cargo, including but not limited to rust and corrosion, contamination by chemicals, damp cargo surface, deformation and packaging impairment.

Once the inspection is concluded, a comprehensive report is generated. As this report may be utilized to counter potential claims for damages at the destination port, it must be composed in English and accompanied by visual aids to assist the client in mitigating underwriting risks. Additionally, pertinent attachments such as first mate receipts and distribution charts should be included.