HENCH PUBLIC MARINE & CARGO SURVEY (H.K.) LTD.
中EN
Hench — independent marine and cargo survey since 1987 in Hong Kong and 2009 in mainland China

Marine & Cargo Survey · Hong Kong since 1987

Your impartial partner for marine and cargo survey

Hench Public Marine & Cargo Survey (H.K.) Ltd. delivers internationally recognised survey, certification and loss-adjustment related services across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area with detailed reporting and reliable processes.

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Our Services

Why Hench

Over three decades of experience with a network covering Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Yantian, the USA and overseas offices — more than 100 qualified surveyors safeguarding every shipment.

Our Commitment

Independent, objective and responsive — with on-site photos and complete written records to help clients understand cargo condition, clarify liability and support claims and recovery.

What does an independent survey company do?

An independent survey records the actual condition of cargo, containers, vessels or property. Photographs, measurements and written findings give trading parties, carriers, insurers and property owners evidence for assessment, settlement or dispute discussions.

Who uses Hench’s services?

Hench serves shipping lines, importers and exporters, cargo underwriters, P&I clubs, container lessors and other clients requiring impartial inspections. Its marine and cargo work is complemented by property-related surveys, investigations and specialist services.

Experience and impartial reporting

Registered in Hong Kong in 1987 and in mainland China in 2009, Hench is a private wholly-owned survey company with more than 100 qualified and experienced surveyors. Its work emphasises prompt coordination, detailed records and the reasonable interests of the parties concerned.

A connected office network

Assignments are coordinated through Hong Kong, the airport, Shenzhen and Yantian, with overseas and mainland contacts including the USA. Contact the office closest to the assignment to confirm the arrangements.

From enquiry to report

  1. Describe the cargo, event, location and required timing.
  2. Confirm the inspection scope and documents.
  3. Arrange site access and surveyor attendance.
  4. Record the condition, measurements and supporting evidence.
  5. Receive a report describing the agreed examination.

Our areas of work

Containerized Cargo

Surveyors attend terminals, warehouses and inland depots to record cargo condition, quantities, container identification and handling. Observations at each handover help establish when discrepancies became apparent.

Damaged Cargo Containers

Inspections document impact damage, water exposure, contamination, pilferage and damage associated with handling. Packaging, marks, the distribution of damage and the surrounding conditions are recorded together.

Preshipment Inspection

The inspection can cover product identity, specifications, quantity, appearance, packaging, labels and loading arrangements. The agreed purchase order and inspection instructions provide the basis for recording conformity and exceptions.

Bulk Cargo Onboard

Bulk and conventional cargo may be inspected during loading or discharge, at terminals, on board vessels and at storage locations. Surveyors record handling, cargo condition and relevant operating times.

Air Cargo

Hench has a Hong Kong International Airport office for coordinating air-cargo assignments. Provide flight or air-waybill details, the handling terminal and cargo availability so access and attendance can be arranged.

Reefer Cargo

Record the set point, available temperature readings, reefer identification and machinery condition at attendance. Controller downloads and operating records, when available, provide context beyond a single temperature reading.

Vessel On Off Hire

On-hire and off-hire surveys record the vessel condition at the relevant charter handover. Comparable records help identify differences between delivery and redelivery rather than relying on recollection.

Investigations

Investigations may address shortages, mixed consignments, inconsistent documents or uncertain cargo movements. The enquiry is structured around the questions to be resolved and the evidence available.

Construction Leakage Survey

Surveyors document staining, moisture patterns, affected finishes and relevant pipework or previous works. The inspection seeks evidence of possible causes rather than assuming the source from the location of visible damage.

Cargo Damage Assessment

The assessment draws together condition findings, quantities, market information and supporting documents to estimate the loss attributable to the damage under examination.

Salvage Auction Valuation

Assignments may concern cargo left at terminals or warehouses, uncollected shipments or damaged goods requiring an assessment of remaining value. Ownership and authority to proceed must be established by the responsible parties.

Sworn Measurers Weighers

Measurements identify the cargo examined, dimensions, packaging and weighing method. Results can be compared with shipment or billing records to clarify quantity and freight discrepancies.

Quality Control Lab

Hench coordinates the agreed quality-control scope, with particular attention to the identity of the goods and the handling of samples. Laboratory analysis is distinguished from the independent witnessing role.

Container Inspection

Inspections can document condition at on-hire, off-hire or other agreed handovers. The record distinguishes existing defects, current damage and the scope of any repair assessment.

Witness Destruction Disposal

Assignments may involve damaged, expired, rejected or otherwise unsuitable goods. The responsible party determines the permitted disposal route and provides the authority and instructions.

Heavy Lift Supervision

Machinery and other heavy or oversized cargo require planning around dimensions, weight, lifting points and the handling route. Instructions should identify the cargo and the planned operation.

Lashing Calculation Supervision

Cargo restraint depends on the load, centre of gravity, stowage position, equipment and expected transport conditions. The assignment reviews the agreed securing arrangement and its supporting information.

Mystery Shopping

Mystery-shopping programmes observe the customer experience at agreed service touchpoints. Retail, hospitality and other service businesses can define scenarios around their own operating standards.

Oil Products Inspection

Oil-product assignments are defined by the commodity and the operation, including relevant tank, ship, terminal or transfer arrangements. Product identity and available documents are checked.

Frequently asked questions

When was Hench established?

Hench was registered in Hong Kong in 1987 and in mainland China in 2009.

Which services are available?

The 19 service areas include cargo and container surveys, pre-shipment checks, damage assessment, vessel handover surveys, heavy lifting, lashing, investigations and related specialist assignments.

Can Hench inspect air cargo?

The Hong Kong International Airport office coordinates air-cargo enquiries. Provide the flight, handling terminal and cargo availability details.

Can mainland assignments be arranged?

The Shenzhen and Yantian office network supports coordination of mainland work. Confirm the location, access and scope with the relevant office.

What should I do if cargo is damaged?

Contact the relevant office promptly, preserve the packaging and records where possible, and notify the carrier and insurer. The survey records evidence; claim procedures remain separate.

How do I contact Hench?

Use the online enquiry form, email info@hench.com.hk or call +852 2439 9111. For urgent Hong Kong enquiries call +852 8105 8933.

Discuss your requirements

Contact Hench to agree the scope, timing and reporting needs for your assignment.

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