At Maritime Survey Australia (MSA), we offer trusted Owner’s Representation and Project Management services to support the delivery of new vessel builds and major refit projects around the world. Our team represents the Owner’s interests throughout all stages of construction—from early concept and contract negotiation, through to sea trials, delivery, and warranty resolution.
Owner’s Representation: Your Trusted Voice at the Shipyard
Our team acts as the Owner’s eyes, ears, and voice on site. We provide technical oversight, project coordination, and impartial advice, ensuring that the shipyard, designers, contractors, and suppliers are aligned with your expectations.
We regularly engage in:
- Technical discussions and resolution of design queries
- Progress meetings and shipyard negotiations
- Quality control and build supervision
- Contract compliance and variation management
- Risk identification and mitigation
- On-site representation throughout construction and commissioning
This ensures that Owners—whether individuals, institutions, or fleet operators—can make informed decisions based on real-time project insight and unbiased technical expertise.
Progress (Milestone) Surveys & Payment Verification
MSI conducts Progress or Milestone Surveys to monitor shipyard progress and verify construction against agreed project timelines. These surveys are frequently tied to stage payments, making them critical in ensuring the shipyard is meeting contractual obligations before funds are released.
Our independent surveyors will document:
- Completed construction stages
- Conformity with drawings, specifications, and quality standards
- Any delays, non-conformities, or risks
- Recommendations for remedial action or payment approval
This structured reporting protects the Owner’s financial and operational interests, supporting transparency and accountability throughout the build.
Technical Mediation & Dispute Support
Disputes can arise during complex builds due to design changes, late-stage variations, or differing interpretations of contract terms. MSI’s experienced team provides independent mediation, helping navigate difficult conversations and resolving technical issues before they escalate.
We support Owners with:
- Evidence-based assessments
- Clear documentation of delays or defects
- Management of builder communications
- Support for contract variation negotiations
Supervision & Sea Trial Planning
The final stages of a vessel’s build or refit are among the most critical. MSI’s team of marine engineers, surveyors, and former seagoing officers oversees Harbour Acceptance Trials (HATs), Factory Acceptance Testing (FATs) and Sea Trials, verifying vessel performance under real conditions.
We ensure trials are:
- Properly planned with realistic performance criteria
- Conducted in line with class and flag requirements
- Supported with full data capture and evaluation
- Documented with comprehensive trial reports and owner sign-off recommendations
By working closely with shipyard representatives, build captains, classification societies, and Owner legal teams, MSI ensures every trial supports the safe, effective delivery of your vessel.
Global Project Portfolio
MSI has successfully supported complex maritime projects for research institutions, commercial operators, and private owners. Our team is currently engaged in new builds and refits across Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.
Examples of our recent and ongoing projects include:
- 50m Research Vessel – Spain (Ongoing 2024–2025)
- 30m Patrol Vessel Refit – Australia (2023)
- Luxury Motor Yacht Technical Supervision – Italy (2024)
- 16m Aluminium Workboat – Completed 2017
- 35m Research Vessel – Completed 2017
- 10m Fishing Vessels – Ongoing.
Why Choose Maritime Survey Australia?
We provide transparent, expert representation for high-value maritime projects, leveraging extensive regulatory knowledge, global trust from public and private clients, and ISO 9001-certified quality management, with independent and responsive service.
