MV SAKIZAYA XCEL Cargo Damage Investigation: Moldy Soybeans at Huanghua Port

Based on the information and documents available, the following is a summary of the matter at hand:

• MV SAKIZAYA XCEL was carrying 70,800.5Mt of Brazilian soybeans and was scheduled to be unloaded at Huanghua port.
• The vessel arrived at Jihai terminal on the morning of April 15, 2023.
• During a Customs inspection, it was discovered that there was moldy cargo underneath the surface of each cargo hold. The captain reported the damage and estimated that each hold had around 3-5Mt of damage. Discharging did not commence until 2250hrs on April 15, 2023.
• We were subsequently requested to investigate the nature, cause, and extent of the damage on behalf of the Owner.
• Our surveyor immediately set off after receiving the survey instruction and was able to board the vessel at 2300hrs on the same day after obtaining the boarding pass.
• During our investigation, we did not encounter any representatives from other parties involved in the matter.