Cargo Owners · Brokers · Insurers · Freight Forwarders

Cargo Damage Surveys and Insurance Claims

Independent survey, documentation, and expert testimony

On-site inspection, formal survey reports, and expert witness testimony for cargo damage claims. Appointed by cargo owners, P&I clubs, insurers, and legal counsel across the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

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What Mykola Provides

Three Roles. One Independent Expert.

Appointed directly by cargo owners, brokers, insurers, and legal counsel. Independent from all parties throughout the engagement.

Independent Surveyor

On-site inspection and physical assessment of cargo damage. Condition documented with photography, measurements, and written record. No conflict of interest with carriers, charterers, or underwriters.

Report Writer

Formal survey reports for insurance claims, P&I correspondence, and legal proceedings. Clear findings, cause assessment, and cargo condition at time of survey. Structured for claim handling without supplementary documentation.

Expert Witness

Written expert opinion and, where required, testimony in legal and arbitration proceedings. Master Mariner and Port Captain with command experience across bulk carriers, RoRo, container, and project cargo vessels. Appointed as independent expert by P&I clubs, underwriters, and maritime law firms.

Cargo Coverage

Cargo Types Covered

Damage surveys across all major cargo categories. Each cargo type has its own damage patterns, handling vulnerabilities, and documentation requirements.

Bulk Cargo Containers Machinery RoRo LoRo Heavy Lift Project Cargo Break Bulk General Cargo

Process

How a Cargo Damage Survey Works

From first contact to final report. Each stage documented and independent.

Engagement

Contact with cargo details, location, and timeline. Assessment of urgency and the type of survey required. Available on short notice across the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Inspection

On-site physical survey. Full photographic record, measurements, cargo condition assessment, and cause investigation. All findings recorded independently at time of survey.

Report

Formal written survey report detailing findings, cause analysis, extent of damage, and cargo condition at time of inspection. Structured for insurance claims, P&I correspondence, and legal use.

Expert Testimony

Expert written opinion or attendance for legal proceedings and arbitration when required. Available independently of the survey when expert opinion only is needed.

Who Appoints Mykola

Appointed By

Cargo owners requiring independent assessment of damage on receipt or at discharge.
Insurance brokers coordinating surveys on behalf of their cargo clients.
Hull and cargo underwriters and their appointed adjusters.
P&I clubs requiring independent survey and documentation for club correspondence.
Freight forwarders managing damage claims on behalf of shippers.
Maritime law firms requiring expert opinion and testimony for cargo litigation.

Mykola Aleksyeyev Marine Surveyor, Port Captain and Consultant Port of Leixoes, Porto Over twenty years in the maritime industry across command, survey, port operations, and safety. Founder and CEO of MAMVC. Ex-Master Mariner. Port Captain at Leixôes. Independent marine surveyor, BBS Facilitator, and SQAS assessor. Expert witness for legal and arbitration proceedings. Read his full story

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Urgent surveys can be arranged on short notice across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Contact with the cargo details, location, and required timeline and availability will be confirmed directly.

Survey reports are prepared to the standard required for P&I club correspondence and insurance claim documentation. The format, content, and findings are structured to support claim handling without requiring supplementary documentation in the majority of cases.

Yes. Expert opinion and testimony are available independently of the survey engagement. Where an existing survey record exists and expert opinion on cause, value, or technical matters is required, that can be instructed separately.

The primary area of operation is the Atlantic and Mediterranean, with a base at the Port of Leixôes in Porto, Portugal. Assignments further afield are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Cargo type, quantity, and description. Location and accessibility of the cargo. Timeline and whether the cargo is already available for survey or still in transit. The appointing party and any existing documentation. A brief description of the damage or claim is helpful but not required before the first call.

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Get in Touch

Cargo damage surveys, insurance claim reports, and expert testimony across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Independent from all parties.

Book a Consultation info@mamvc.com