Scientific Expertise
We are experts in the fields of forensic, chemical, biological, environmental, and material sciences. We confidently act as an interpreter, explainer, guide, and reporter on the scientific and technical aspects of raw and refined products, materials, and technologies. Drawing from our rich engineering and scientific knowledge, and competencies we provide technical guidance on the nature of commodities and fuels, the various standards governing sampling, testing and analysis, grading and characterisation, as well as the associated hazards, health and safety issues that accompany their storage and transport. Our deep understanding of analytical chemistry is well applied to solid and liquid bulk cargo issues and disputes. We provide robust expert evidence ready for court and arbitration proceedings.
Cargo | Commodities
All of our scientists providing technical guidance and support on food cargo and industrial commodities have a deep knowledge of chemical analyses (organic, inorganic, materials) and instrumentation (spectroscopy, chromatography, etc). In the field of fuel and petrochemicals, we offer access to a vast source of expertise thanks to our long experience of analytical studies on heavy fuel oil and distillate fuels at testing laboratories. We can identify the root cause of poor quality bunkers and chemically contaminated fuels, and offer solutions for improvements to mitigate a cargo loss, or avoid adversely affecting the performance of machinery and equipment onboard. The types of cargo and materials we frequently work with include, amongst others:
Mineral Ores, Metals and Concentrates
Rich natural iron ores (magnetite, hematite, goethite), high and low grade nickel ore laterites, bauxite aluminium ore, base metals (aluminium, copper, lead, nickel, tin, zinc), platinum group metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium), lithium and lithium salts, copper ores (chalcopyrite, chalcocite), direct reduced iron (DRI), zinc concentrate, fluorspar, feldspar.
Energy Minerals
Crude oil, natural gas, petroleum gas, thermal coal, steam coal.
Grains and Cereals
Maize (corn), wheats, barley, oats, rice, rye, soybean (oil and meal), oilseeds, millets, corn meals, feeds and pellets.
Petrochemicals and Fuels
Chemical contamination (styrene monomer, para-Xylene), bunker fuel, jet fuel (A, A-1), leaded / un-leaded and low sulphur petroleum products.
Chemicals
Wide range of bulk and containerised chemicals (IMDG, hazardous materials, MSDS).
Dairy, Livestock, Reefer Cargo
Milk, powdered milk, fish, meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables.
Soft Commodities
Cocoa, coffee, lumber, cotton.
Environment, Energy and Technology
Closely following the latest developments in material manufacturing processes, coating systems, and environmental regulations and technologies, we regularly advise clients with shared interests or direct investments in the below fields:
- Hull fouling | Paint technology | Performance dispute
- Ballast water management
- Environmental monitoring (air quality control and gases composition analysis)
- Exhaust gas treatment systems
- Batteries and solar panels
Material Analysis
Our material scientists frequently consult on the damage or failure of metallic components and machine parts. Our strength in material sciences, and history in consistently resolving metal related claims are well applied to shipping related incidences. We are also experts in materials testing, and the use of various laboratory techniques and instruments to do so.
Steel and Metal Products
We routinely work on cases relating to: carbon, stainless, alloys, electrical, rebar, merchant bar, wire rod, plate, hot and cold rolled coils, shipping ISO containers, metal failure analysis, container lashing systems, damaged steel pipes and rods, as well as finished products including vehicles and metal parts.
Coatings Failure Investigation and Analysis
Our coatings experts/inspectors investigate the damage and failure of coatings applied on off-shore and ashore structures and the vessel’s structures such as:
- Cargo holds
- Cargo tanks (crude oil, product, chemical)
- Cargo handling systems and equipment
- Water ballast, and potable water tanks
- Hull antifouling and fouling/marine growth analysis
- Decks, superstructure and internal spaces
Fuel Oil
On site and on board, our marine engineers can assess the management and handling of the fuel oil, and our bunker surveyors, available in many ports in Asia and Europe, can take representatives samples to be sent to a laboratory of choice for testing. Our scientists can help with standards and methodology, and can interpret the results of laboratory testing. Where machinery damage is found, our metallurgists can sample, examine and report on the possible causes of such damage, and whether or not it is fuel related.
Laboratory Analysis
At our own laboratory in Singapore, AMA technicians and scientists can carry out a range of tests including:
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i. Test parameter included in ISO 8217, Table 2
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ii. Additional tests (not included in ISO 8217, Table 2)
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With our deep local knowledge, we can also help with the selection of other appropriate testing facilities and advise on possible costs.