Why Draft Surveys Remain Critical for Bulk Cargo Accuracy
Shore-based weighing isn't always available — here's why the draft survey method still matters.
In ports without reliable shore-based weighing infrastructure, the draft survey remains the most practical and internationally recognized method of determining bulk cargo weight. Done correctly, it delivers accuracy within a fraction of a percent — done carelessly, it becomes a source of dispute between shipper and receiver.
The method depends on precise readings at six standard points, accurate density and constant determination, and careful cross-referencing against the vessel's hydrostatic tables. Small errors in any of these inputs compound quickly across a large cargo parcel.
For traders and receivers relying on draft survey figures to settle payment, working with an independent, experienced surveyor isn't a formality — it's the difference between a clean settlement and a prolonged dispute.