Expertise

We carry out damage assessments, in which we determine the nature, extent, circumstances and cause of damage. We do this on behalf of insurers, brokers, and other interested parties. Our reports form the basis for the financial settlement of claims. Our expertise covers a wide range of claims, from simple to complex cases. We focus on various aspects, such as fault investigation, nautical and technical investigation, liability issues and time lost. Our expertise contributes to the efficient settlement of claims. We guarantee our clients fast and direct communication about all aspects of our findings, initially by telephone for a first impression and then via one or more interim reports. After completing our interventions, we provide a detailed, clear final report.

Below is a selection of the objects to which our expertise relates:

  • hull and machinery of seagoing and inland waterway vessels, fishing vessels, tugboats, contractor equipment, dredging vessels and yachts;
  • nautical equipment;
  • fire damage on board ships;
  • port equipment such as gantry cranes, forklifts, reach stackers, etc.;
  • agricultural equipment such as cranes, earthmoving equipment, crushing installations, road construction equipment and agricultural machinery;
  • technical installations in general such as pumps, drives, control systems;
  • machine breakdown;
  • CMR, in particular to damage to machinery and technical goods.

In our long career as a loss adjuster, we often have to deal with salvage of ships and assistance as a result of collision, capsizing, leakage, breaking or stranding. 

Our expertise in marine and technical damage analysis enables us to lead thorough investigations into causes and conditions. Aided by our extensive network of salvage companies, diving companies, various maritime and technical service providers and governments, we can efficiently organize and monitor salvage and relief operations, with a focus on cost control. 

In addition, we are particularly skilled in carrying out general average surveys and valuations, supported by our extensive experience in ship valuations. 

With our basic knowledge of maritime legal issues, we will always keep in mind the aspect of limitation of liability.

With more than 60 years of combined experience as hull and P&I experts, we have extensive knowledge and skills in handling contact damage to locks, quay walls, bridges, jetties and dune valleys. Our practical experience in our field of expertise, even without a formal background as hydraulic engineers, enables us to handle such claims with expertise and efficiency.

Our effectiveness is further enhanced by our extensive network of specialists in marine engineering, waterway authorities and diving companies. This network, combined with our knowledge of tendering procedures and local customs, optimises our interventions in the event of contact damage to civil engineering structures. For complex structural issues, we rely on the expertise of an external structural engineer, always in close consultation with our clients.

Our assignments in the handling of contact damage to civil engineering structures usually include:

  • Investigation into the cause and circumstances of the alleged incident.
  • Analysis of the causal link between the damage established and the alleged incident.
  • Contradictory determination of the damage to the artwork in question.
  • Determining the necessary and definitive repair work.
  • Evaluation of tenders and proposing adjustments.
  • Supervise the repair work.
  • Accurate verification of the claim against the repair specifications and approved quotation.

Preparation of interim and final reports.

A.M.C.S. experts are known as trusted partners for P&I Clubs and their correspondents to carry out P&I appraisals for the benefit of P&I Clubs members, such as shipping companies, charterers and port terminals. We have built up years of expertise in dealing with claims such as:

  • Oil spills and other forms of environmental damage.
  • Collision and contact damage. 
  • Stevedoring damage
  • Personal injury (determination of technical cause).

In these situations, we conduct a thorough investigation into the cause and circumstances of the calamity or accident and identify the potentially liable parties. We work with relevant government agencies to estimate and assess clean-up costs in the event of oil or other pollution damage.

Our experts draw on their extensive experience as technical superintendents in the supervision of new construction projects of various seagoing oil and gas tankers. 

Thanks to our daily interactions with shipyards, specialized in both inland and maritime shipping, we have in-depth knowledge of the functioning of shipyards. 

We have also been regularly appointed to act on behalf of liability insurers for shipyards specialising in the construction of river passenger vessels and the conversion of barges into residential or hotel vessels, especially for the French market. 

Our excellent command of the French language, both verbally and in writing, is an important added value in this respect.

A.M.C.S.'s experts are often called upon to provide assistance or act in complex cases that are of a judicial nature or that are dealt with by amicable arbitration at the request of the parties involved. 

When dealing with such cases, we use a meticulous approach, with strict attention to discretion and the protection of the privacy of the parties involved.

A.M.C.S. enjoys the confidence of national and international financial institutions, insurers, shipping companies and government bodies for the valuation of ships, special equipment and port logistics equipment. Both the Federal and Flemish governments have repeatedly called on our experts for valuations, future visions and condition studies of objects. Our advice often forms the basis for developing or adjusting policy aimed at specific investments. We not only look at the value of an object, but also advise on environmental aspects, emission standards of combustion engines, ergonomics, sustainability and macroeconomic developments.

Our expertise also extends to assisting and advising on important acquisitions, mainly of family businesses, both financially and technically.

Johan Peeters is the only Belgian expert recognised by the VRT (Association of Registered Appraisers), affiliated with the NIVRE, which specialises in inland navigation and port logistics equipment.

  • pre and post rental inspections of ships, barges and pontoons;
  • condition inspections of ships;
  • Lashing and safety inspections
  • bunker inspections;
  • pre-purchase inspections;

Registered Office
Chapel Street 99
2850 Boom

VAT BE1004.426.486

our T&C