Independent Sale and Purchase Advisory
Purchasing a vessel without independent technical oversight means trusting the seller's disclosures and the broker's assurances at face value. Shipwrights.com represents the buyer's interest from first inspection to final handover. We verify condition, class status, and contract terms so that your purchase decision is based on facts you have confirmed, not information the other side has chosen to share.
Pre-Acquisition Condition Surveys
Before any memorandum of agreement is signed, we conduct a physical condition survey covering hull structure, machinery, electrical systems, and navigational equipment. Hull plating thickness is measured by ultrasonic gauging against the classification society's minimum renewal criteria. Main engine, auxiliary generators, and deck machinery are assessed for wear, operational hours, and outstanding service items.
Class Records and Transaction Governance
The classification society record is the vessel's structural and mechanical history. We audit the full survey status from the appointed IACS member society, verifying that all annual, intermediate, and special surveys are current. Outstanding conditions of class, recommendations, and memoranda are identified, costed, and factored into the purchase negotiation. A vessel with deferred survey items carries a measurable discount risk.
Sale and purchase agreements are structured under established standard forms. The BIMCO SHIPSALE 22 contract and the Norwegian Shipbrokers' Association SALEFORM 2012 provide the principal frameworks for vessel transactions. We advise on deposit escrow, conditions precedent, inspection windows, and the allocation of risk between buyer and seller from heads of agreement through to the protocol of delivery and acceptance.
Our Sale and Purchase Capabilities
| Capability | Technical Scope & Standards |
|---|---|
| Condition Survey | Hull, machinery, electrical systems, and accommodation inspection with full photographic documentation. |
| Ultrasonic Gauging | Hull plating and structural member thickness measurement against class minimum renewal criteria. |
| Class Record Audit | Full survey status, conditions of class, and outstanding recommendations review. |
| Drydock Assessment | Underwater hull, rudder, propeller, sea chests, and anode condition reporting. |
| Contract Advisory | MOA structuring under BIMCO SHIPSALE 22 or Norwegian SALEFORM 2012 with independent buyer-side review. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a pre-acquisition condition survey cover?
A pre-acquisition survey is an independent physical inspection of the vessel's hull, machinery, electrical systems, and accommodation. Hull plating thickness is measured by ultrasonic gauging and compared against the classification society's renewal criteria. Machinery is assessed for operational condition, outstanding defects, and remaining service life. The survey report gives you the technical basis for your purchase price negotiation.
What is the difference between SHIPSALE 22 and SALEFORM 2012?
Both are standard form sale agreements for vessel transactions. BIMCO SHIPSALE 22 reflects current practice on deposit mechanics, inspection rights, and delivery conditions. SALEFORM 2012, from the Norwegian Shipbrokers' Association, remains widely used in European and Asian markets. The choice depends on the transaction parties, jurisdiction, and flag state requirements. We advise on which form best protects your position.