Survey of Damaged Port Structures: An Essential Assessment for Maritime Infrastructure

26/07/2024

Read time: 7 minutes

Category: Blog

Author: Dominic Howley

Port structures are vital nodes in global trade, serving as the entry and exit points for goods and resources. However, these infrastructures are vulnerable to a range of damaging factors including natural disasters, wear and tear, and accidental impacts. Conducting surveys of damaged port structures is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and planning for timely repairs and upgrades.

Van Ameyde Marine undertake many different types of marine surveys, including damage surveys to port structures.

The remit from our principals is usually to examine the cause, nature and extent of damages as well as any associated repair costs. The surveyor’s ability to obtain this information efficiently and effectively on a survey is a vitally important skill and of immense value to the principal if they are to efficiently and effectively settle damage claims

Damage to port structures caused by a vessel arriving/departing are often an expensive inconvenience for a port which may also affect its operational utility. As such, costs laid against the vessel owners for repair of this damage can be substantial and can extend beyond the cost of physical damage to port structures.

Importance of Surveys

Safety: Ensuring the safety of port workers and preventing accidents that could result from structural failures is paramount. Regular surveys help in identifying and mitigating hazards before they lead to incidents.
Operational Efficiency: Damaged structures can impede port operations, causing delays and increasing costs. Early detection and repair of damage minimize downtime and maintain smooth logistical flows.
Cost-Effective Maintenance: Identifying and addressing minor issues early prevents them from escalating into major, more expensive problems. This proactive approach extends the lifespan of port structures and optimizes maintenance budgets.
Regulatory Compliance: Ports must adhere to international safety and operational standards. Regular surveys ensure compliance with these regulations, avoiding legal penalties and enhancing the port’s reputation.

Causes of Damage

Port structures are usually damaged in three broad ways:

Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis can inflict severe damage on port structures, including docks, wharves, and breakwaters. The immense force of such events can lead to structural failures, undermining the foundations and leading to partial or total collapse.
Operational Wear and Tear: Continuous loading and unloading of heavy cargo, exposure to seawater, and the effects of tides contribute to the gradual degradation of port facilities. Corrosion of metal components, erosion of concrete surfaces, and the weakening of wooden piers are common issues.
Accidental Impacts: Collisions with vessels, forklifts, and cranes can cause immediate and significant damage. Such incidents may result in bent or broken pilings, damaged fenders, and compromised structural integrity.

Survey Techniques

Van Ameyde Marine use a range of survey techniques to assess potential damage to port structures.

The need for more detailed survey beyond a visual inspection is often determined by the outcome of an initial visual inspection.

Visual Inspections: Initial assessments often involve visual inspections by engineers to identify obvious signs of damage such as cracks, spalling, and misalignment. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras have become invaluable in providing comprehensive overviews of hard-to-reach areas. If CCTV footage is available then this is often an invaluable aid to the surveyor to establish cause, in addition to any witness statements that may be available either from the port or, in the case of an allision, the vessel. The vessel’s ECDIS data and any other navigational data that can be extracted from instruments in combination with bridge team statements are fundamental sources of data following an allision.
Diver Surveys: For underwater inspections, divers examine submerged structures for damage. This includes checking for scour around foundations, assessing the condition of underwater elements, and identifying marine growth that may conceal defects.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Techniques such as ultrasonic testing, ground-penetrating radar, and infrared thermography allow engineers to detect internal damage without dismantling structures. These methods are essential for assessing the integrity of materials and identifying hidden issues.
Geotechnical Investigations: Examining the soil and sediment around port structures helps in understanding the impact of erosion and foundation settlement. Borehole drilling and sampling, coupled with laboratory analysis, provide data on soil properties and potential risks.

Repair Costs & Disputes

Disputes can often arise in relation to alleged repairs costs following damage to port structures. The surveyor’s role is to act for their principals in assessing repair costs, but the surveyor must also provide an opinion on whether proposed repair costs are fair and reasonable.

There are several common sources of dispute in relation to repair costs.

Scope of Work: One of the primary sources of disputes is the scope of the repair work. Differences in the interpretation of what repairs are necessary and how extensive they should be can lead to disagreements. Detailed and clear contracts are essential to mitigate these issues.
Cost Estimations: Disputes often arise over the estimated cost of repairs. Contractors may provide quotes that are higher than expected by port authorities, leading to contention. Conversely, underestimation of costs can result in budget overruns, sparking disputes about who should bear the additional expenses.
Change Orders: During the repair process, unexpected issues may necessitate changes to the original plan. These change orders can significantly increase costs, leading to disputes over their validity and who is responsible for the extra charges.
Quality of Work: Disagreements can occur if the quality of the completed repair work is deemed substandard. Port authorities may refuse to pay the full amount, arguing that the work does not meet contractual standards, while contractors may claim additional costs for rectifying issues.
Insurance Claims: Insurance companies play a crucial role in covering repair costs following damage due to natural disasters or accidents. Disputes can arise over the extent of coverage and the amount reimbursed, especially if insurers believe the damage was due to pre-existing conditions or negligence.

Resolving Disputes

Detailed Contracts: Establishing clear, detailed contracts from the outset is vital. These should outline the scope of work, cost estimates, procedures for change orders, and quality standards. Both parties should agree on these terms to prevent misunderstandings.
Transparent Communication: Open and ongoing communication between all parties helps in addressing issues as they arise. Regular meetings and updates ensure that everyone is on the same page and can preempt potential disputes.
Third-Party Mediation: Engaging a neutral third party to mediate disputes can be effective. Mediators can facilitate negotiations and help reach mutually agreeable solutions without the need for prolonged legal battles.
Expert Assessments: Involving independent experts to assess the extent of damage and the necessary repairs can provide an objective basis for cost estimations and scope of work, helping to resolve disagreements.
Dispute Resolution Clauses: Including specific dispute resolution mechanisms in contracts, such as arbitration clauses, can provide a predefined path for resolving conflicts. This approach can expedite the resolution process and reduce litigation costs.

Impact of Disputes

Operational Delays: Disputes over repair costs can lead to significant delays in completing necessary repairs, disrupting port operations and affecting the supply chain.
Increased Costs: Prolonged disputes can result in additional legal and administrative expenses, further inflating the overall cost of repairs.
Strained Relationships: Ongoing disputes can strain relationships between port authorities, contractors, and insurers, potentially impacting future projects and collaborations.

Disputes over port repair costs are a common yet challenging aspect of maritime infrastructure maintenance. By establishing clear contracts, maintaining transparent communication, and utilising third-party mediation and expert assessments, stakeholders can navigate these disputes more effectively. Proactively addressing potential sources of conflict helps ensure timely and cost-effective repairs, supporting the uninterrupted operation of vital port facilities.

Report and Follow-Up

Van Ameyde Marine follow a documentation process after a survey has taken place. This usually consists of firstly composing preliminary advice and, at a later stage, composing a final report. Both will be issued to our principals.