At Rockledge East Africa Limited; precision, safety, and operational excellence lie at the core of every assignment we undertake. Our technical survey team executed a very comprehensive Marine Warranty Survey for a high-value shipment of US Marine Corps and USAF military aircraft and auxiliary equipment at the Port of Mombasa, Kenya.
Our role was pivotal in de-risking the project through rigorous technical reviews and approval, mitigating hazards/risks associated with heavy-lift and project cargoes.
Scope of Work
The assignment demanded seamless coordination among vessel agents, security teams, military personnel, port operations staff, and the carrier representatives. Rockledge Technical Surveyors focused on a multifaceted scope to verify cargo readiness and operational integrity.
- Dimensional and Weight Verification: Capturing precise measurements (overall length, width, height) of each item using steel tape for millimeter accuracy, alongside confirmation of declared weights via certified documentation to inform stowage planning.
- Condition and Suitability Assessment: Conducting pre-shipment inspections for packaging adequacy, marking, visible damages, and cargo suitability, including evaluations of lifting appliances and environmental resilience.
- Lifting and Securing Point Evaluation: Assessing all handling points to guarantee safe port and onboard operations, with on-site approval of method statements and procedures.
- Stowage and Loading Oversight: Visual inspections, photographic documentation, and real-time supervision of loading per the ship stowage plan, ensuring optimal space utilization, balanced weight distribution, and vessel stability.
- Risk Mitigation Measures: Performing general operational risk assessments to address potential stability shifts.
The Process
Central to the project was the Marine Warranty Survey, where our team ensured the pre-operational stowage plan generated was followed precisely to completion of loading and that all cargo was lashed and stowed adequately for the intended sea transit.
We meticulously inspected the aircraft and equipment for structural integrity while verifying securing mechanisms against potential sea rigors. Advanced tools captured specifications from wingspans to tail heights, feeding into bespoke stowage and securing plans that optimized vessel holds and complied with stability criteria.
Key MWS measures included comprehensive evaluations of lifting gear capacities, personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols, and hauling documentation to prevent equipment failures or overloads. By identifying and rectifying hazards such as inadequate lashings or uneven weight distribution pre-loading, we reduced project risks to near zero, transforming a complex endeavor into a controlled, insurable operation.
Technical Precision and Safety Compliance
Given the cargo’s sensitivity and value, our surveyors produced a detailed Marine Warranty Survey Report that informed the vessel’s stowage plan, including stability calculations and securing recommendations in compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code).
Throughout, we upheld marine warranty guidelines, enforcing international standards for project cargoes to safeguard against incidents like cargo shifts or structural compromises. Safety protocols were strictly enforced, with monitored lifting operations and full photographic documentation from quayside to final lashing, confirming secure fastening and balanced load distribution.
Collaboration and Execution
The project’s success was underpinned by effective collaboration between all concerned parties to enable efficient execution of each task within the provided time frame. Our surveyors worked on tight schedules within a controlled access zone, coordinating multiple loading sequences without disruption to port operations, a hallmark of Rockledge’s operational adaptability
Outcome and Conclusion
Completed on schedule and incident-free, the operation culminated in a seamless vessel departure, with
all cargo lashed securely for the voyage. This project exemplifies Rockledge East Africa Limited’s prowess in delivering specialized MWS and cargo surveying for military and heavy-lift exports.
By providing reliable data, technical assurance, and robust risk management, we deliver peace of mind to clients worldwide. As global logistics evolve, our marine surveyors stand ready to tackle the next challenge—because in heavy-lift operations, every
measurement and approval charts the path to success.