High Value Cargo Rider Assurance Service

Part of Kraken Offshore services is our High Value Cargo Rider Assurance Service. We can provide seasoned Master Mariners with command experience to accompany your high value project cargo whilst in transit. Our Master Mariners are ex-Captains whom, over the years, have gained extensive experience in large offshore and onshore projects, having accompanied project cargos onboard vessel in both the oil and gas and renewable industries.

While there are no specific “insurance personnel” dedicated to monitoring cargo at sea, there are measures that should be in place to safeguard high-value shipments. Our High Value Cargo Rider Assurance Service comprises four segments: Review, Arrival, Passage, and Reporting.

Review…

Prior to arrival on location, our personnel will engage with project engineering and marine warranty personnel to gain an overview of the project, and a thorough understanding of the work scope to investigate the “what Ifs” by:

Conducting a desktop study and review of documentation to familiarize themselves with cargo, voyage route and any specific conditions of the voyage approved by the MWS assigned to the project, and any associated scope of works.
Consulting with project engineers to obtain and understanding of the design basis and limitation of the design, including operational wave and wind limits, etc.
Reviewing sea fastenings (lashing /timber/steel/welded) and determining what could be the possible impact failures and raise identified areas with project engineering to determine a solution.
Review vessel emergency preparedness and their international response procedures. Create emergency response plans that include precautions to take in the event of project interruptions, breakdowns, equipment failures and harsh weather.
Work with project engineers to determine how to monitor the structural behaviour of the high value cargo, based on their engineering analysis and assumptions.

Arrival..

We deem early arrival onsite and project familiarisation by our personnel important to us, allowing a fresh appraisal and proactive inspection of the onsite conditions, and meeting the key decision makers.

By arriving early on location, both items identified by project engineers and Marine Warranty during the review phase will be verified and closed out.
An early update on project loadout status and associated apparatus can be obtained.
Our personnel have a wealth of experience in various vessel inspections and may also conduct a vessel assurance inspection if required by the asset owner.
Prior to departure, a thorough of review project sea fastenings, ensuring the vessel is secure for sea, and in all respects in a seaworthy condition – ready to sail.

Passage…

As always, our British Master Mariners (Class II) Certificate of competency remains valid, including the necessary STCW training and medical certification enabling mobilisation at short notice

On passage is where our personnel are at their best, providing information to the clients and guidance based to the vessel’s master relying on a wealth of experience to include:

Monitor the vessels crew competencies as per The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Monitor drills and reviews of vessel emergency preparedness and response procedures. Amending, if required, emergency response plans that include precautions to take in the event of potential events, such as equipment failures, piracy, or severe weather.
Assist the Master with route optimization, using data analysis tools to identify the vessel’s fastest and most cost-effective routes, depending on variables like traffic density, currents, weather, depth of water, piracy activity, and port accessibility.
Prepare and monitor backup plans to deal with anticipated delays and lessen their effect on the ship’s arrival schedule if possible.
Monitor the cargo’s Security Measures if installed to ensure the robust security measures are working to minimize risks during transportation. This may include dedicated GPS Trackers to ensure secure transportation, access, theft, and damage.
Daily seafastening inspections of cargo to confirm equipment in situ where possible and improvements made where required.
Monitor systems, to ensure real-time reports are being created to constantly track the vessel’s movements to include heading, speed, and location, to keep project personnel appraised of status.
Monitor vessels stability conditions during the passage.

*Calculating the time lost is necessary if we avoid beam seas to prevent additional stresses on the cargo.*

Reporting…

Keeping project personnel appraised of status is an important integral part of our Cargo Rider Assurance Service. They may achieve this by:

Submitting regular daily reports on the vessel’s position, performance, including timelines, progress, drills, abnormalities, and any substantial delays that may have occurred or be anticipated.
Promptly notifying the cargo owner of any unplanned incidents or deviations from the scheduled course that might affect the vessel’s schedule.
Provide the client with an end of trip attendance report, ensuring lessons learned can be implemented into the next project.

Conclusion…

As always, our British Master Mariners (Class II) Certificate of competency remains valid, including the necessary STCW training and medical certification enabling mobilisation at short notice. Our personnel can act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the client and endeavour to protect the client’s best business interests by utilising their experiences gained through lengthy careers in the maritime industry. You can’t buy experience, but you can ensure experienced people are onboard to represent you and lower your risk; this is where Kraken Offshore is here to help.