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On/Off-Hire Condition Survey: Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Vessel Charters

Contact us today to schedule an On/Off-Hire Survey with Nordic Maritime Solutions. Our team is available worldwide, ready to be your eyes, ears, and voice on-site, ensuring your charter agreements are transparent, fair, and dispute-free.

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In vessel chartering, maintaining accurate records of a ship’s condition and onboard fuel levels is critical for protecting the interests of both shipowners and charterers. On/Off-Hire Surveys document the vessel’s condition and bunker quantities at the start (on-hire) and end (off-hire) of a charter period. It’s an independent survey carried out to minimize disputes, ensure fair settlements, and safeguard your investments.

With over 4,000 successful operations completed across six continents and a 99.7% customer retention rate, Nordic Maritime Solutions has earned the trust of shipping companies, offshore operators, and global charterers.

 

What Is an On/Off-Hire Survey?

An On/Off-Hire Survey is a comprehensive inspection conducted before a vessel is delivered into charter (on-hire) and after it is redelivered (off-hire).

 

Key Components include:

  • Condition Documentation: Recording the vessel’s structural condition, cleanliness, and pre-existing damage to establish a baseline for comparison at the end of the charter.
  • Bunker Quantity Verification: Measuring and documenting fuel and lubricant levels to ensure accurate settlements between parties.

By providing clear, detailed, and evidence-based reports, On/Off-Hire Surveys ensure transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency throughout the entire charter period.

It is our mission to help you succeed with your projects

Why Are On/Off-Hire Surveys Essential?

 1. Minimizing Disputes
Accurate documentation prevents disagreements and provides a clear record for assigning responsibility.

2. Ensuring Fair Settlements
Bunker quantity verification ensures that fuel usage and costs are fairly accounted for, preventing financial discrepancies.

3. Protecting Investments
Our condition survey identifies damages early allows for prompt repairs, preserving the vessel’s value and operational reliability.

4. Streamlining Handover Processes
Comprehensive reports simplify the transition process, reducing delays and uncertainties between owners and charterers.

5. Supporting Efficient Operations
With clear condition assessments and accurate fuel data, verified during the bunker delivery operation, vessels can quickly return to service after a charter.

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Nordic Maritime Solutions is trusted by shipowners, charterers, and offshore operators across diverse industries. Our client-centric approach ensures that every survey is tailored to the unique needs of:

  • Shipping Companies: Providing transparency in charter agreements.

  • Offshore Operators: Safeguarding assets in high-stakes maritime operations.

  • Insurance Firms and P&I Clubs: Supporting claims with clear, impartial documentation.

Ready to Protect Your Charter Agreements?

Contact Nordic Maritime Solutions today to schedule your On/Off-Hire Survey. Whether you’re protecting your investments, ensuring fair settlements, or minimizing disputes, our trusted services provide the transparency and accountability you need.

    Why Choose Nordic Maritime Solutions for On/Off-Hire Surveys?

    1. Experienced Professionals

    • Our certified surveyors bring years of practical experience, ensuring reliable and impartial reporting.

    2. Global Reach with Local Expertise

    • With operations spanning six continents, we offer rapid response and localized support wherever your vessel is located.

    3. Commitment to Transparency 

    • We prioritize accuracy and clarity, helping clients avoid disputes and build trust-based relationships.

    4. Tailored Solutions 

    • Each survey is customized to align with your vessel type, charter terms, and specific needs.

    Key Components of a Nordic Maritime Solutions On/Off-Hire Survey

    1 . Structural Condition Assessment

    • Inspecting the hull, deck, hatch covers, cargo holds, tank tops, and bulkheads for damage present prior to the charter period, with a detailed description of any wear, corrosion, or other issues noted on these key marine structures.

    2. Bunker Quantity Verification

    • Measuring fuel, lubricant, and water levels with precision, both prior to vessel delivery and after redelivery, to ensure accurate financial settlements.

    3. Documentation Review

    • Verifying the vessel’s statutory certificates, load line certificates, classification documentation, and other regulatory records.

    4. Cargo Space Cleanliness and Suitability

    • Confirming that cargo holds are clean, dry, and suitable for the intended cargo, with detailed reporting of actual quantity of any issues.

    5. Comprehensive Reporting

    • Delivering detailed, evidence-based reports supported by photographs and precise measurements, enabling fair resolutions to any disputes.

    When to Conduct On/Off-Hire Surveys

    1. Before Taking a Vessel on Hire

    Establish a baseline of the vessel’s condition and bunker quantities to ensure transparency as the charter begins.

    2. At the End of the Charter Period

    Verify the vessel’s condition and fuel levels at redelivery to prevent disputes over damages or costs.

    3. After Cargo Operations

    Confirm the integrity of internal spaces after intensive cargo handling, such as breakbulk or heavy lift.

    4. Periodic Inspections

    Regular surveys during the charter period ensure ongoing compliance and accountability.

     

    Industries We Serve

    Our On/Off-Hire Surveys support all vessel types across diverse maritime industries, including:

     

    • Commercial Shipping: Bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, and general cargo vessels.
    • Offshore Vessels: Platform supply vessels, AHTS vessels, and OSVs.
    • Specialized Vessels: Research ships, cable layers, and dredgers.
    • Passenger and Ro-Ro Vessels: Ferries, cruise ships, and car carriers.

    Partner with Nordic Maritime Solutions for Trusted On/Off-Hire Surveys

    In the fast-paced world of vessel chartering, having a reliable survey partner is essential. Nordic Maritime Solutions provides impartial, professional On/Off-Hire Surveys, delivering a detailed survey report that ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness for all parties involved.

    This comprehensive vessel condition survey serves as a crucial benchmark, especially when compared to any previous condition survey carried out on the vessel.

    Contact us today to learn more about how our services can safeguard your charter agreements and streamline your operations. With Nordic Maritime Solutions, you gain the peace of mind that comes from working with trusted experts.

    Ensure the safety

    Contact Us Now

    What our customers say

    „Nordic Maritime Solutions is a trusted partner for Ørsted Marine Inspection, assisting us with vessel inspections in ensuring and verifying the safety standards of the marine assets we contract.”

    Ørsted

    „Sincere thanks for your hard work and support in achieving this load out in such a tight timescale.“

    Baker Hughes

    „The value provided by Nordic Maritime Solutions by far exceeds the costs of the service“

    GE Global
    Operations