TANKER SURVEY IN SPAIN

GENERAL CARGO SHIP MARINE SURVEY SERVICES

Depending on the purpose of the appointment, VALENCIA Marine Services can provide:

SHIP CONDITION SURVEY

Independent assessment of the apparent condition of the vessel, including accessible hull structures, cargo spaces, decks, machinery and relevant equipment.

SHIP CONDITION SURVEY

PRE-PURCHASE SHIP SURVEY

Technical inspection for prospective purchasers requiring an independent assessment before acquiring a general cargo vessel.

PRE-PURCHASE SHIP SURVEY

CARGO HOLD INSPECTION

Inspection of cargo holds for visible cleanliness, dryness, previous cargo residues, corrosion, coating condition and readiness according to the agreed criteria.

CARGO HOLD INSPECTION

ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY

Independent documentation of vessel condition at charter delivery or redelivery, including bunker quantities where requested.

ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY

MARINE DAMAGE SURVEY

Independent inspection following collision, berth contact, container-related structural damage, heavy weather, machinery failure or another reported marine casualty.

MARINE DAMAGE SURVEY

SHIP INSPECTION

Targeted technical inspection of a particular structure, machinery item, defect, damaged area or repair.

SHIP INSPECTION

DRAFT SURVEY

Independent cargo quantity determination by calculating changes in vessel displacement where the vessel and cargo operation are suitable.

DRAFT SURVEY

BUNKER SURVEY

Independent measurement and calculation of bunker fuel quantities and Remaining On Board.

BUNKER SURVEY

PSC PREPARATION & POST-DETENTION SUPPORT

Pre-PSC readiness inspections, deficiency review, corrective-work follow-up and technical preparation for official Port State Control reinspection.

PSC PREPARATION & POST-DETENTION SUPPORT

GENERAL CARGO SHIP STRUCTURAL INSPECTION

Depending on the agreed scope and accessibility, structural inspection may include:

• shell plating;

• weather decks;

• cargo hold structures;

• tank tops;

• transverse bulkheads;

• frames;

• stiffeners;

• brackets;

• hatch coamings;

• tween decks where fitted;

• deck foundations;

• visible welds;

• access structures.

The surveyor may document visible:

• corrosion;

• coating breakdown;

• deformation;

• cracking;

• buckling;

• mechanical damage;

• cargo-related damage;

• previous repairs;

• areas requiring additional investigation.

CARGO HOLD INSPECTION

Cargo holds are a principal inspection area on general cargo vessels.

Depending on the assignment, the inspection may assess both structural condition and cargo readiness.

TANK TOPS

Visible observations may include:

• cargo residues;

• corrosion;

• coating condition;

• deformation;

• mechanical damage;

• loose scale;

• standing water;

• previous repairs.

BULKHEADS AND SIDE STRUCTURES

Accessible structures may be checked for:

• corrosion;

• structural deterioration;

• deformation;

• cracking;

• damaged brackets;

• coating breakdown;

• cargo impact damage.

HOLD CLEANLINESS

For pre-loading inspections, the survey may consider:

• previous cargo residues;

• loose rust scale;

• foreign material;

• oil or grease contamination;

• standing water;

• persistent odours;

• general dryness.

For a dedicated service:

CARGO HOLD INSPECTION

TWEEN DECKS

Where fitted, tween decks may form an important part of the inspection.

The survey may include:

• deck plating;

• supporting structures;

• hatch openings;

• access arrangements;

• removable panels;

• structural condition;

• cargo-related damage;

• corrosion;

• deformation.

This is one area that can distinguish many general cargo ships from simpler bulk-carrier arrangements.

HATCH COVERS AND HATCH COAMINGS

Visible inspection may include:

• hatch panels;

• hatch coamings;

• compression bars;

• rubber seals;

• cleats;

• hinges;

• rollers;

• hydraulic systems;

• drainage channels;

• operating equipment.

Observed deficiencies may include:

• deformation;

• corrosion;

• damaged seals;

• coating breakdown;

• mechanical damage;

• damaged operating components.

A visual survey does not automatically include hatch-cover watertightness testing.

CARGO CRANES AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT

Many general cargo vessels have shipboard cranes or derricks.

Where included within the agreed scope, visible inspection may include:

• crane structures;

• pedestals;

• foundations;

• booms;

• hydraulic systems;

• wire ropes;

• sheaves;

• hooks;

• deck supporting structures;

• visible leakage;

• corrosion;

• apparent damage.

Operational load testing or statutory certification is not automatically included.

DECK CONDITION AND EQUIPMENT

Inspection may include:

• weather decks;

• mooring arrangements;

• windlasses;

• winches;

• capstans;

• deck piping;

• ventilation arrangements;

• cargo access;

• handrails;

• ladders;

• deck fittings;

• cargo securing points.

Relevant visible deficiencies can be photographed and documented.

MACHINERY SPACES

Accessible machinery spaces may be inspected according to the agreed scope.

Typical equipment may include:

• main engine;

• auxiliary engines;

• generators;

• pumps;

• compressors;

• separators;

• steering gear;

• fuel systems;

• lubrication systems;

• cooling systems;

• piping;

• valves;

• electrical installations.

The survey may document:

• visible leakage;

• corrosion;

• maintenance condition;

• abnormal external condition;

• temporary repairs;

• damaged insulation;

• housekeeping deficiencies.

Internal dismantling or performance testing requires a separate scope.

BALLAST TANKS AND INTERNAL SPACES

Where specifically requested and where safe-entry arrangements are provided, selected ballast tanks or internal spaces may be inspected.

Observations may include:

• coating condition;

• corrosion;

• pitting;

• frames;

• stiffeners;

• brackets;

• bulkheads;

• welds;

• cracking;

• deformation;

• previous repairs.

Confined-space entry remains subject to appropriate atmosphere testing, ventilation, lighting and vessel safety procedures.

BREAKBULK AND PROJECT CARGO OPERATIONS

General cargo vessels may carry:

• steel products;

• timber;

• machinery;

• packaged cargo;

• breakbulk cargo;

• project cargo;

• containers in limited configurations;

• other unitised cargoes.

Survey requirements can therefore vary substantially by vessel and cargo operation.

If the vessel is specifically designed for highly flexible project, heavy-lift, or mixed cargo operations, use the Multipurpose Vessels page instead.

GENERAL CARGO SHIP DAMAGE SURVEY

Typical damage scenarios may include:

• berth contact;

• collision;

• grounding;

• cargo impact;

• crane-related damage;

• hatch-cover damage;

• heavy-weather damage;

• machinery failure;

• structural deterioration.

A damage survey may document:

• exact damage location;

• dimensions;

• deformation;

• cracking;

• affected structures;

• photographs;

• measurements;

• repair condition;

• need for further investigation.

MARINE DAMAGE SURVEY

PRE-PURCHASE GENERAL CARGO SHIP SURVEY

For prospective purchasers, inspection can be expanded to provide a broader technical assessment of:

• hull structure;

• cargo holds;

• tween decks;

• hatch arrangements;

• deck equipment;

• lifting equipment;

• machinery;

• ballast spaces;

• visible repairs;

• available vessel documentation.

PRE-PURCHASE SHIP SURVEY

ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE GENERAL CARGO SHIP SURVEYS

Where the vessel operates under charter, delivery and redelivery surveys can document:

• cargo hold condition;

• decks;

• hatch covers;

• visible existing damage;

• machinery areas where required;

• bunker quantities;

• relevant vessel condition.

ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY

DRAFT SURVEYS FOR GENERAL CARGO VESSELS

Where the vessel carries suitable bulk cargo, draft surveying can provide independent cargo quantity determination based on vessel displacement.

Calculations may consider:

• draft readings;

• trim;

• list;

• water density;

• hydrostatic data;

• ballast quantities;

• bunkers;

• freshwater;

• other relevant weights.

DRAFT SURVEY

PORT STATE CONTROL PREPARATION

We can provide independent technical preparation before the official PSC inspection or after recorded deficiencies.

The service may include:

• structural observations;

• machinery-space review;

• deck-condition inspection;

• deficiency review;

• corrective-work follow-up;

• preparation for official reinspection.

PSC PREPARATION & POST-DETENTION SUPPORT

GENERAL CARGO SHIP SURVEY PROCEDURE

1. VESSEL INFORMATION

The client provides the vessel name, IMO number, port and required survey.

2. SCOPE DEFINITION

The required vessel areas and inspection objectives are established.

3. DOCUMENT REVIEW

Relevant plans, certificates, reports or technical documentation may be reviewed where included.

4. VESSEL ATTENDANCE

The marine surveyor attends the vessel at the agreed Spanish port, terminal, anchorage or shipyard.

5. TECHNICAL INSPECTION

Accessible vessel areas included within the scope are examined.

6. PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

Relevant observations and defects are documented photographically where practicable.

7. TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

Findings are assessed from a Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering perspective.

8. REPORTING

A professional survey report is prepared where included within the assignment.

GENERAL CARGO SHIP SURVEY REPORT

Depending on the scope, the report may include:

• vessel identification;

• IMO number;

• vessel particulars;

• survey location;

• inspection date;

• appointing party;

• purpose of survey;

• inspection scope;

• documents reviewed;

• cargo hold observations;

• structural findings;

• machinery observations;

• deck equipment observations;

• photographs;

• measurements;

• identified defects;

• recommendations where appropriate;

• additional investigation required;

• survey limitations.

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

Where required, further inspection may include:

• ultrasonic thickness measurements;

• non-destructive testing;

• crack testing;

• hatch-cover testing;

• underwater inspection;

• machinery analysis;

• specialist crane inspection;

• Classification Society involvement.

These services are only included where specifically agreed.

INDEPENDENT SURVEY VS CLASS SURVEY

VALENCIA Marine Services provides independent marine surveys and technical inspections.

These services do not replace inspections, certification or approval required from:

• Classification Societies;

• Flag State administrations;

• Port State Control authorities;

• authorised lifting-equipment inspectors;

• statutory authorities.

GENERAL CARGO SHIP SURVEYS AT SPANISH PORTS

VALENCIA Marine Services provides General Cargo Ship Survey attendance in Spain at major Spanish commercial ports.

Regular coverage includes:

Valencia • Sagunto • Castellón • Alicante • Cartagena • Tarragona • Barcelona • Algeciras

Attendance at other Spanish ports may be considered subject to vessel schedule, access, survey scope and surveyor availability.

WHY APPOINT VALENCIA MARINE SERVICES?

GENERAL CARGO VESSEL-SPECIFIC APPROACH

The survey scope is adapted to cargo spaces, hatch arrangements, deck equipment, machinery and vessel configuration.

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE & MARINE ENGINEERING

We assess structural and machinery condition from an engineering perspective.

INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

Findings are based on the accessible condition observed and the agreed scope.

CARGO SPACE EXPERIENCE

Inspection can focus specifically on cargo holds, tween decks and cargo-related structural areas.

PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

Relevant observations are supported by photographs where practicable.

PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL REPORTING

Factual observations, evidence and technical findings are presented clearly.

EXPERIENCED MARINE SURVEYOR

Carlos Montamarta is a Naval Architect & Marine Engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience in marine surveying and ship inspection.

His assignments combine extensive practical vessel inspection experience with technical expertise in ship structures, cargo spaces, marine machinery, marine engineering, damage assessment and technical reporting.

Professional marine surveying services are provided through VALENCIA Marine Services SLU.

INDEPENDENT • DISCREET • PROFESSIONAL

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A GENERAL CARGO SHIP SURVEY?

A general cargo ship survey is an independent technical inspection of a commercial cargo vessel, or selected areas of the vessel, according to a defined survey scope.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE INSPECTED?

Depending on the scope, inspection may include hull structures, cargo holds, tween decks, hatch covers, cranes, deck equipment, machinery spaces and ballast tanks.

CAN YOU INSPECT CARGO HOLDS BEFORE LOADING?

Yes. Cargo Hold Inspections can assess visible cleanliness, dryness, residues and general cargo-space condition against agreed criteria.

CAN YOU INSPECT TWEEN DECKS?

Yes. The agreed inspection scope can include accessible tween decks and supporting structures.

CAN YOU INSPECT SHIPBOARD CRANES?

Visible crane structures, foundations and equipment can be included within a technical inspection. Formal certification or load testing requires a separately defined service.

DO YOU PERFORM DRAFT SURVEYS?

Yes, where the vessel and cargo operations are suitable for determining cargo quantity by displacement.

DO YOU PERFORM PRE-PURCHASE GENERAL CARGO SHIP SURVEYS?

Yes. The Pre-Purchase Ship Survey can be adapted specifically to a general cargo vessel.

CAN YOU INSPECT DAMAGE AFTER CARGO OPERATIONS?

Yes. Cargo-related structural or equipment damage can be inspected and documented.

CAN YOU ATTEND ON SHORT NOTICE?

Urgent attendance may be considered, subject to vessel location, port access, and surveyor availability.

DOES THE SURVEY REPLACE A CLASS SURVEY?

No. An independent marine survey does not replace Classification Society, Flag State or statutory inspections.

REQUEST A GENERAL CARGO SHIP SURVEY IN SPAIN

Please provide:

• vessel name;

• IMO number;

• year of build;

• current or expected port;

• ETA;

• required attendance date;

• type of survey;

• cargo type where relevant;

• cargo operation where relevant;

• areas requiring inspection;

• reported damage or defect where applicable;

• photographs where available;

• technical documentation;

• specific client instructions.

Urgent attendance requests are welcome, subject to surveyor availability.

NEED A MARINE SURVEYOR IN SPAIN?

Independent marine surveying services for shipowners, operators, charterers, insurers and maritime stakeholders throughout Spain.

© 2026 VALENCIA Marine Services SLU · VAT No. ESB06827356 │ Mercantile Registry of Valencia: Volume 11011, Sheet 122, │ Section GNE, Entry 198596

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CONTACT

VALENCIA Marine Services SLU

Independent marine surveying, vessel inspection, maritime auditing and technical consultancy services for commercial vessels in Spain.

INDEPENDENT • DISCREET • PROFESSIONAL

Bulk Carriers
Container Ships
General Cargo Ships
Tankers
Gas Carriers
Passenger Ships
Ferries, Ro-Pax & Ro-Ro Vessels
Multipurpose & Heavy-Lift Vessels
Offshore, Tugs, Workboats & Dredgers

Marine Survey Services
Ship Condition Survey
Pre-Purchase Ship Survey
On-Hire / Off-Hire Survey
Marine Damage Survey
Ship Inspection
Cargo Hold Inspection
Bunker Survey
Draft Survey
PSC Preparation & Support
Flag State Inspections
ISM, ISPS & MLC 2006 Audits

Marine survey attendance in Spanish ports and shipyards.

Real Club Náutico de Valencia - Camino del Canal 91 - Bloque 3 Local 21 - Valenciac 46024, Spain

Office +34 96 13 050 13

Mobile/WhatsAp: +34 644 70 90 38

Base : Port of Valencia, Spain

Urgent attendance requests are welcome, subject to surveyor availability.

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