Posted on March 24, 2025
In the dredging and marine construction industry, millions can be lost in a single wrong equipment purchase or lease. Yet, many companies skip a critical step: pre-purchase equipment audit and condition surveys.
As a team of seasoned marine surveyors and equipment engineers, we specialize in Pre-Purchase and Pre-Lease Equipment Audits for:
- Cutter Suction Dredgers (CSD)
- Booster Pumps
- Swamp Buggies
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Payloaders
- Dry Plants
- Tugboats & Barges etc
What We Do – Our Audit Workflow
1. Before the Audit
- Review client objectives (lease/purchase/use case)
- Request documentation: service logs, past breakdown reports, operation hours, pictures/videos
- Assign field engineers & audit specialists per equipment category
- Develop a checklist tailored to equipment type (CSD, dry plant, etc.)
2. During the Audit
- Physical inspection of: Main engines and pump engines (compression tests, oil condition, smoke test) Gearbox and transmission systems Cutter shaft or excavator boom & arm play Swing winches, ladder winches, spuds (for dredgers) Hydraulic systems (pump pressure test, hose leaks, cylinder condition) Undercarriage wear (for excavators, swamp buggies, bulldozers) Functional load testing under simulated operations Survey of hull integrity, pontoons, and floatation (for marine equipment) Electrical & instrumentation checks
- Video documentation and photo evidence
- Interviews with current operators or maintenance crew
3. After the Audit
- Generate a Condition Survey Report with: Executive Summary Equipment Scorecard (Red Flag, Warning, Green Light ratings) Critical Observations with pictures Estimated cost of repairs or upgrades Expected lifespan and recommendations Summary of negotiation leverage points (for price/lease renegotiation)
- Deliver report within 48-72 hours depending on scope
- Optional: Post-purchase monitoring for the first 3 months
Case Study 1 of 34 – Prevented a $120,000 Loss
Client: Dredging firm seeking to buy an 18” Cutter Suction Dredger in Warri
Issue Found: Cutter shaft wear with high backlash and faulty swing winches
Action: Our report led to renegotiation, saved over N90M in potential breakdowns
Result: Client acquired a better alternative with our support
Let’s Help You Make Smarter Equipment Decisions
Over the years, we’ve helped dredging companies, estate developers, construction firms, and oil & gas operators make smart, informed decisions before buying or leasing critical equipment.
To request an audit or demo video of our past inspections, drop a comment or send a DM.
