Maritime Expertise: Inspection of Frozen Lychees Container in Marseille

Inspection Date: May 30, 2025

Vessel: M/V ONEGO BORA
Cargo: 1,024 cartons of frozen pitted lychees
Location: Marseille

Survey mission by Unilex Maritime, Lloyd’s Agent and Certified Marine Surveyor

Our firm Unilex Maritime, acting as a certified marine expert, conducted a joint survey on reefer container CGMU 301180/3, suspected of a cold chain failure upon arrival.

Survey Objectives

• Assess the quality of the delivered cargo

• Determine the nature and origin of the reported damage

• Evaluate the extent of loss

• Issue a full technical report

Cargo Details

• Contents: 1,024 cartons of 12 kg bulk frozen lychees (non-palletized)

• Origin: Madagascar

• Net weight: 12,288 kg

• Declared value: €33,939.46

• Incoterm: CIF Fos-sur-Mer

• Temperature set point: -21°C

Logistics Timeline

The container transited on multiple vessels and through several ports (Nosy-Be, Pointe des Galets, Jebel Ali, Fos-sur-Mer) before being delivered to a warehouse in Marseille. Upon opening, a temperature of +1.4°C was recorded — significantly above the required conditions for frozen goods.

Key Observations During the Survey

• Recorded temperatures at door opening:

  • Bottom: +1°C to +3°C

  • Middle: -0.5°C to +0.4°C

  • Top: -10°C

• Presence of juice leakage and fermentation odor

• Alarm code 60 detected: defrost termination sensor failure

These signs indicate a technical malfunction of the refrigeration unit, despite the digital display still showing temperatures within acceptable limits.

Damage Assessment

The entire shipment was deemed unfit for consumption and marked for destruction.

Final Conclusion

The container experienced a defrost sensor failure, which allowed internal temperatures to rise while misleading external readings indicated otherwise.

The responsibility of the M/V ONEGO BORA’s owner is excluded, as all temperatures during its leg of the journey (February 9 to 17, 2025) remained within proper carriage conditions.

Why Choose Unilex Maritime?

With over 20 years of experience as certified marine surveyors, we offer swift and impartial interventions to:

• Determine the origin of damages

• Evaluate liability across transport chains

• Provide legally reliable technical reports

• Protect your interests at every step

Need a Marine Surveyor in Marseille, Le Havre or Beyond?

Call our offices:
Marseille: +33 (0)4 91 14 04 40
Le Havre: +33 (0)2 35 24 09 68
Email: mail@unilexmaritime.com
Website: www.unilexmaritime.com