ABOUT US
Beacon Surveys is an independent marine cargo survey company based in Antwerp, Belgium. We work for shippers, receivers, traders, underwriters, brokers, law firms and logistics operators who need the condition of a cargo, or the cause of a loss, established quickly and impartially. Most of our work is marine, but we handle non-marine cargo risks on the same terms.
We operate from the Port of Antwerp, Europe's second-largest port by freight volume and a major gateway to the continent. From here we cover the main European ports through a network of trusted, experienced surveyors and consultants - with all communication centralised in our Antwerp office, so you always have a single point of contact, one standard of reporting and one invoice.
Our survey work covers cargo condition and outturn surveys on arrival, pre-loading and pre-shipment inspections, damage surveys establishing the nature, extent and cause of loss, supervision of handling, packing and stowage, and warehouse and storage risk assessments. We attend vessels, barges, terminals and warehouses, and survey containerised cargo in all its forms - dry van, flat rack, open top, reefer, flexi tank - as well as breakbulk and bulk consignments.
Some matters need to go further than a survey report - establishing what happened in a supply chain and gathering evidence that holds up in a legal or insurance context. That work is handled by Beacon Intel, a separate entity holding a private investigation licence issued by the Belgian Federal Public Service Home Affairs. Enquiries can be directed to info@beaconintel.be.
Where a case requires it, we call on specialised laboratories, research institutes and technical experts.
What sets us apart is simple. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year, and can attend a berth, terminal or warehouse in the Antwerp region at short notice. We report fast - a preliminary report within 72 hours of attendance, with interim reports on request. And we stay independent and unbiased, with no commercial interest in the cargo, the vessel or the outcome, which is exactly why our findings stand up when it matters.
