MEC&F Expert Engineers : 10/09/15

Friday, October 9, 2015

Metropolitan Engineering, Consulting, Forensics, and Environmental Remediation Services. Construction, Investigation, Remediation and Forensic Expert Engineers


Construction Defects, Construction Claims, Engineering, Property & Casualty Investigations, Assessment, Site Investigation, Remediation, Litigation and Indoor-Air Expert Engineers




Bill Stephan, PhD, PE, CIH, CHMM, JD, MBA

Principal Engineer



P.O. Box 520

Tenafly, New Jersey 07670-0520

Phone: (973) 897-8162

Fax: (973) 810-0440




______________________________________________________________________



Firm Overview


The engineering and forensic firm of Metropolitan Forensics and Consulting Engineering and Environmental Services was established for the purpose of providing a high value service to the insurance industry and to the insured companies or individuals. Our founding principal (Bill Stephan) is a licensed professional engineer in several states, including, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.



We specialize in the in-situ remediation of petroleum and chlorinated spills, the defense of liability claims, the investigation and defense of first or third party insurance claims and the handling of subrogation claims.  We are also experts on oil and gas energy sector issues (design, investigations, construction oversight), renewable energy sector (wind turbines, solar panels, biofuels, etc), vapor intrusion evaluation, vapor phase and transport and in design on vapor mitigation systems.  Additionally, we offer forensic engineering services, including age-dating of contaminant releases, construction defects, oversight, evaluation of remedial alternatives, sub-slab ventilation system design and installation.  The list of our core services is:



  • Cause and Origin Investigations
  • Construction Failure Analysis (Residential, Industrial and Commercial)
  • Structural Integrity Evaluation
  • Site Investigation
  • Tank removals and tank installations; licensed and insured to perform entire UST work
  • In-Situ Remediation of Soil and Groundwater
  • Vapor intrusion, indoor air evaluation and mitigation
  • Causation
  • Forensic Investigations (age-dating)
  • Oversight
  • Review of Remedial Action Work Plans
  • Reserve Estimation
  • Cost Allocation
  • RAWP Preparation
  • Site Remediation
  • Cleanup Level Development and Negotiation
  • Subrogation
  • Expert Witness/Litigation Support
  • Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) Services
  • Construction Claims (Delay, Differing Site Conditions, Loss of Productivity, Acceleration, and others)

 





































Additional Specialty Service Areas

Age Dating
Boilers & Burners
Bridges
Building Codes
Building Inspections


Construction Accident
   Reconstruction
Construction Defects
Construction Delay Claims

Construction Surety Claims
Construction Disputes
Construction Differing Condition Claims
Construction Oversight
Construction Management
Construction Acceleration Claims

Construction Failures
Construction Injuries
Contractor Performance Issues
Corrosion


Defective Designs
Defective Roadway Design
   Evaluations


Earthquake
Electrical Accidents/Injuries
Electrical Equipment Failures
Electrical Fires
Elevators, Escalators
   & Conveyors
Embedded Software Hazards
   & Analysis
Equipment Failures
Errors and Omissions
Explosions

Failure Analysis
Fire
Fire Codes
Fire Protection Systems
Fire Suppression Systems

Flood Damage Assessment

Foundation Systems

Gas Systems

Hailstorm damage

Heating & Ventilation Systems
Heavy Construction
Highway/Roadway Design
Human Factors


Indoor Air Quality
Laboratory Services
Ladders, Scaffolding Falls
   & Failures
Lightning

Mechanical Defect Evaluations
Metallurgical Age Dating
Mold Causation
Natural Disasters/Weather
   Related Issues
Nuclear Energy
Occupational Hazards
   & Illness

Piping
Playground Equipment Injuries
Plumbing
Product Failures
Roofing Problems & Failures
Safety Codes
Safety & Human Factors
   Engineering
Scalding
Scene Mapping and Photographs
Sick Building Syndrome
Sports Equipment Injuries
Standardized Codes
Steam Systems
Subrogation Issues


Transportation Issues
Trips, Slips & Falls
Underground Storage Tanks
Utilities Expertise
Vibration
Water Damage
Windstorm



Mission Statement


Our mission is to work as an extension of our clients to expeditiously achieve the most economically favorable resolution of claims on their behalf and on behalf of their insured. We have developed and will continue to create new solutions to the technical problems and issues which are facing the insurance industry and the insureds today.  

Metropolitan provides forensic engineering work (age-dating or fingerprinting), site remediation, auditing, cost control and litigation support services to insurance carriers, their insureds and to private or public companies.  In its risk management role, examines, manages and audits environmental claims to ensure that assessment and remediation services provided to both carriers and policy holders are reasonable and necessary, properly rendered and appropriately charged. 



In its litigation support role, Metropolitan assists carriers and their counsel to ensure that litigious disputes are resolved fairly and reimbursement benefits are provided when appropriate.  The corporations service area includes the entire United States, with our corporate office located in Northern New Jersey.  The Firm's professional staff also travels regularly throughout the United States on assignment.


Forensics at Metropolitan


There are many issues associated with disputes over responsibility for cleanup. Who, what, when, where, and how chemicals were released can be investigated. The tools of forensic investigation include mathematical models, statistical models, fate and transport calculations, chromatography, lead isotope analyses, time of travel assessments, library search site characterization, tracer additives, and recently developed software applications.



Effective forensic project management should include an evaluation of multiple forensic tools based on site specific circumstances. The process of evaluation and the ultimate selection of the forensic tool are critical to a successful outcome. When project budgets allow, combining forensic methods for corroborative evidence can substantially strengthen your client’s position in an effort to prevent or support litigation. The effective forensic consultant must be well acquainted with an ever expanding list of analytical methods, environmental regulations, assessment procedures and remedial technologies.



The forensic field is one that utilizes a wide range of scientific tools to identify and characterize complex adverse environmental events. Some of the scientific disciplines involved in forensics include engineering principles (biological, physical and chemical), hydrology, lithology, geology, site history, site practices, mathematics, and statistics. These areas may be combined with technologies such as respiratory analyses, chromatography/mass spectrometry and chemical fingerprinting methods to answer complex questions with the ultimate goal of establishing responsibility for a particular event. Accurate, defensible forensic analyses are an essential component of any strategy that attempts to resolve the extent of the insurer or insured client responsibilities in the cleanup of contaminants.


Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our forensic services.



Property Damage Services at Metropolitan

Metropolitan assists property owners, claims professionals, businesses, and attorneys in   the assessment of the cause & origin (C&O), extent of damage and required restoration after pipe bursts, settlements, manufacturing and construction failures, fire, flood, earthquake, or storm damage.  Our teams of engineers have extensive experience in the many systems that make up a building including structural, mechanical and electrical systems.   We also have the necessary background to evaluate property damage to items such as communications towers or solar panels. We can help determine alternative, appropriate, and cost effective solutions for repair or restoration of any damaged property, both commercial and residential. 

Providing Competent, Expert and Objective Investigative Engineering and Consulting Services.

Our experts are multi-skilled, competent, and objective professionals who apply their analytical and common sense skills to reconstruct, determine the root cause, and document the events that give rise to property, casualty, and liability claims.  Thorough investigations and detailed measurements/research help us distinguish between pre-existing conditions and sudden and accidental losses.


Our investigations are:

·         Comprehensive & Accurate

·         Legible & Easy to Understand

·         Timely Performed

·         Delivered Quickly

·         Cost Effective

·         Clear & Concise

·         Developed by Professionals

·         Dependable

·         Our own uniform reporting system saves time and money.


Our Fast Track Investigation and Uniform Format Reporting systems allow us to conduct and deliver a comprehensive response to the assigned claim.  In most cases, we will obtain findings based on a site visit, visual observations, photographs, interviews, and field measurements.  Further investigations and testing will be provided upon request and approval by the client.



Forensic Investigation of Property Damage Claims

Metropolitan Consulting, Engineering & Forensics understands your need to complete a claim investigation accurately and efficiently as possible.  Whether it is accident reconstruction, damage due to environmental forces such as wind, water, hail, snow, tornado, etc.; fire origin & cause investigation or any other claim, the engineers at Metropolitan understand both you and your client want to resolve the claim.  The analysis you receive from Metropolitan will be accurate and complete, giving you the information needed in the claim adjustment and analysis.

Our services have extended beyond the forensic analysis phase into the remediation and repair phase of many large loss claims.  Upon the completion of the cause and origin (C&O) investigation, Metropolitan can provide our clients with complete working drawings and specifications needed to repair or rebuilt damaged buildings or other structures.  Metropolitan Consulting & Engineering’ staff possesses many-many years of experience in rehabilitation design, construction management, and project oversight to ensure the loss is restored in a timely and cost-effective manner without sacrificing quality.  Building code knowledge allows us to identify possible code upgrades as needed.  Metropolitan understands constructability and realizes making an insured whole goes beyond forensic investigation and design. We pride ourselves in providing practical solutions contractors can understand and follow.

At the forefront of available technology, we provide professionals and staff capable of handling a variety of engineering evaluations.  Our reports are clear, concise, complete and efficiently produced.  Our engineering objectives are achieved in an ethical manner consistent with the traditions and character of engineering professionals.

Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our property damage services.


Extensive Experience helping Sureties

Metropolitan also has extensive experience helping sureties fulfill their bond obligations resolve disputes after a contractor has defaulted.  This work includes the evaluation of contractor bid pricing, evaluation of the contractor’s ability to perform work, risk assessment, evaluation of termination, construction completion services, claim and litigation support services, loss recovery services, evaluation of payment bond claims, negotiation and settlement of payment bond claims, and construction defects investigation services.  Metropolitan has provided these services for commercial, development, educational, and assisted living projects.

Construction is a business fraught with risk.  Disputes over even the smallest of issues can quickly escalate, with crippling consequences to the project and the parties.  Over the years, the construction industry has developed various methods of contractually allocating the risk of project delay and disruption.  Some of these methods include liquidated damages provisions, "no damages for delay" clauses, mutual waivers of consequential damages, provisions that limit liability, claims notice provisions, and provisions addressing responsibility for the adequacy of the construction plans and specifications.  Parties frequently litigate the sufficiency of these risk-shifting efforts in conjunction with the underlying merits of delay and disruption disputes.
Construction Claims & Disputes
The most frequently encountered claims include:
1.            Construction Delay Claims
2.            Disruption and Loss of Labor Productivity Claims
3.            Design and Construction Defect Claims
4.            Force Majeure Claims
5.            Acceleration or Compression of the Schedule Claims
6.            Suspension, Termination and Default Claims
7.            Differing Site Conditions Claims
8.            Change Order and Extra Work Claims
9.            Cost Overrun Claims
10.         Unacceptable Workmanship or Substituted Material Claims
11.         Non-payment Claims (stop notice (or Notice to Withhold) claims, mechanics’ lien (only for private construction projects) and payment bond claims)



Forensic Engineering Experience Case Studies


Metropolitan staff has developed and utilized scientific methods to assist clients in a variety of ways related to their claim issues. The following is a partial list of such projects:

  • Provided expert witness services for plaintiff seeking remediation of contaminated groundwater that caused indoor air inhalation problems;
  • Testified that engineering and scientific evidence was improperly collected and analyzed and was inadequate to show the age of the release;
  • Origin and cause of retaining wall failures.  
  • Lightning damage to structures or electrical systems and equipment
  • Roof failure or collapse as a result of accumulated load, additional weight and snow drift at hundreds of commercial and residential properties.
  • Demonstrated that solvents in groundwater at client's property originated from off-site dry-cleaner and that client's site actually provided remediation for the off-site release of dry cleaning solvent;
  • Expert witness for property owner impacted by industrial waste disposal from industrial manufacturer;
  • Demonstrated that environmental analysis by a previous consultant for a manufacturing site was inadequate; as a result, the lender's concerns were alleviated and financing proceeded;
  • Chemical "age-dating" and contaminant transport analyses of petroleum in groundwater at a gas station showed that contaminants originated from other parties;
  • Age-dated petroleum release at a former gas station to show that the previous owner of the gas station caused groundwater contamination;
  • Age-dated petroleum releases at an industrial facility to show that the on-site plume was the result of an off-site source;
  • Prepared age-dating reports for over one-hundred residential fuel oil spills;
  • Assisted insurance companies attorneys in defending subrogation claims; was able to demonstrate that the forensic data collected by the first party consultant were collected and analyzed using invalid methods;
  • Demonstrated that structural damage to a residence was from a source other than the alleged high lake level
  • Collected evidence (for the primary responsible party) that identified other responsible parties to share in the cost of a Superfund cleanup;
  • Review of the site data at a bulk petroleum facility indicated that the site releases were not the result of regular oil transfer operations and that they were caused by the negligent actions of the insured’s agents; the case was settled in favor of the insurance company;
  • Was able to demonstrate that the majority of the removal actions at petroleum release sites were neither reasonable nor necessary; as a result of our opinion, the insurance client settled the claim in favorable terms;
  • At several drycleaner sites we were able to demonstrate that the age of the release was much earlier than the parties originally believed; as a result, the insurance client settled the claim at a fraction of the alleged liability;
  • We performed numerous flood and wind damage assessments at commercial and residential properties.
Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our forensic engineering services.




Site Remediation Services


 Characterizing and remediating contaminated sites involve some of the most complex and difficult issues for environmental lawyers and their clients. Problem areas include responding to regulators; negotiating enforcement settlements; negotiating or litigating cost allocation and recovery claims; working with the insured or insurer client, lawyers and regulators to develop efficient, cost-effective remediation approaches; and selling, buying, or developing contaminated properties.



Metropolitan staff has developed and applied an innovative approach to the use of sodium persulfate for the sequential in-situ treatment of subsurface contaminants through chemical oxidation followed by enhanced biological degradation through sulfate reduction. This approach has broad applicability to a wide range of contaminants, and shows strong cost-saving benefits through reducing the initial volume of chemical oxidant necessary and enhancing the in-situ biological degradation of contaminants.



Through proper subsurface geochemical characterization and chemical dosing design, the approach focuses on utilizing the oxidant for immediate mass reduction at the source area, followed by degradation or polishing of the residual contamination using sulfate reducing bacteria.  Depending upon the oxidant activation method, this approach is applicable to petroleum hydrocarbons including both volatiles and PAHs, chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) including chlorinated ethene, ethane and methane groups, as well as PCBs.


Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our Site Remediation Services.





Vapor Intrusion and Indoor-Air Studies


Vapor intrusion has received increased attention over the last few years near contaminated sites because some contaminants have the potential to migrate into nearby buildings and negatively affect indoor air quality. The accumulation of these volatile vapors in buildings can result in significant safety and health concerns.
To properly evaluate vapor intrusion a thorough evaluation of the building's ventilation system and subsurface conditions needs to be conducted by a knowledgeable professional in accordance with state and federal established procedures. 
The evaluation process typically includes a thorough building chemical inventory, the advancement of soil gas probes and the collection of soil gas samples. When indoor air quality problems are identified they can normally be resolved through the modification/installation of a properly designed ventilation system.
Metropolitan is well experienced with U.S. EPA and State vapor intrusion investigation techniques. We have completed numerous vapor intrusion and indoor air quality studies at commercial and residential properties. We have the experience to identify and resolve indoor vapor intrusion problems and the practical know-how to resolve indoor quality issues in an efficient and cost effective manner.
Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our Vapor Intrusion and Indoor Air Studies.




Metropolitan Engineering, Consulting, Forensics, and Environmental Remediation Services.


Construction, Investigation, Remediation and Forensic Expert  Engineers

P.O. Box 520

Tenafly, New Jersey 07670-0520

Ph.: (973) 897-8162

Fax: (973) 810-0440



Contact: Dr. Bill N. Stephan, PhD, PE, JD, CIH, MBA, CHMM





Insurance claim examiners, insureds, insurers, insurance adjusters and risk managers use Metropolitan for determining cause, evaluating the extent of damage, determining the age of the release, separating unrelated damage, analyzing loss scopes and managing restoration data, determining costs to repair, restore or replace, and preparing for insurance appraisals.



Attorneys call on Metropolitan for help when preparing for Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution such as arbitration and mediation


MARINE AND TRANSPORTATION CLAIM MANAGEMENT AND CLAIM INVESTIGATIONS

MARINE AND TRANSPORTATION CLAIM MANAGEMENT AND CLAIM INVESTIGATIONS



The Wages of the Sea, Ground, and Air


The maritime business is a high-profile industry with ever-present potential for catastrophic losses. Transportation issues affect nearly every enterprise around the world, but can present particular financial and operational challenges to firms in this industry. Rising fuel costs, employee shortage and retention issues, credit risks, marketplace competition, these and other exposures can have a severe impact on a company's bottom line and impede its overall success.

Whatever and wherever the possible risk, Metropolitan has experienced professionals to provide solutions and the ability to quickly deploy them to the site of the incident.



Worldwide Scope and Precision Expertise

With a dedicated global Marine and Transportation team of experts, our services range from simple cargo surveys, loss control analysis, adjustment of ocean or inland marine claims, and full third-party administration (TPA) services with centralized claims intake, to complicated hull and machinery liability attendances.

Whatever the scale of the service required, our clients can be assured of a professional approach, delivered by highly qualified personnel with the required experience and qualifications to deliver an effective marine and transportation claims solution. Our staff includes ex-seagoing mariners and engineers, cargo experts, naval architects, specialists in ocean, inland and motor truck cargo, specialists in subrogation and recovery, and many more expert disciplines.

The Marine and Transportation group has focused expertise on the key components of a comprehensive insurance loss program including:

  • Aviation liability Property Damage & Bodily Injury
  • Aviation machinery
  • Construction, civil, and port
  • General average
  • Logistics and cargo liability
  • Marine cargo
  • Marine hull and machinery
  • Motor cargo liability
  • Protection and indemnity
  • Small craft claims less than 60 meters
  • Subrogation and recovery
  • Super yachts worldwide
  • Trip and tow management
  • Wind park offshore



The Benefits of METROPOLITAN 

The multinational and global risk and insurance community needs a team of experts with the experience and industry focus to evaluate and assess damages under extreme conditions. METROPOLITAN has the commitment, skills, resources, technology and the experience required to meet the specific needs of each client.

METROPOLITAN Key Service Features:

  • World-wide service: A global network of experts, including surveyors, environmental scientists, engineers, consultants, and specialist case handlers
  • Compliance: Strict adherence to relevant governing legislation (ELD, CERCLA/Superfund, etc.)
  • Cost-effective: Reduced indemnity spend, financial assurance for insurers
  • Confidence: Transparent claims procedures and reporting standards
  • Reliability: Experienced, qualified professionals, infrastructure and leadership to strategically project manage losses anywhere on the glob






METROPOLITAN Claims Handling Guidelines for

MARINE – SERVICE STANDARDS

I.                    Acknowledgement

A.                  Always by e-mail unless otherwise requested.

II.                  Contact

A.                  Immediate contact with vessel owner and boatyard to arrange inspection.

B.                  Contact by telephone and e-mail confirming date and time of inspection.

C.                  Copy of e-mail and notes in file.

III.                Investigation

A.                  Identify vessel by the Hull Identification Number (HIN) and compare to the policy.  Obtain hours on the vessel and serial numbers on the engine when possible.  Comment on how the vessel is maintained.

B.                  Inspect vessel within the scope of the claim, i.e., if mechanical, make sure you have the proper personnel present if you do not have the qualifications.  The client will direct as to what they want covered.

C.                  Inspect damage both inside and out as damage may transfer.  Damage often in a fiberglass vessel will show on both the hull and the interior, i.e., bottom damage on the outside may be minor, but the interior could have major damage such as stringer separation or cracking.

D.                 Scene inspections should be identified either by marina locations or the longitude and latitude coordinates on the water.

E.                  Statement from the captain and crew when instructed.  Identify official personnel present, i.e., Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or marine police.  Obtain report number and where it can be obtained.

F.                   Photograph all sides of the vessel, along with good photographs of the damage or the accident scene.

G.                 Obtain the name of the boatyard where the Insured wants the vessel repaired and try to get an agreed scope and price for the repairs.  All yards vary in their pricing.

IV.                Experts

A.                  Experts are frequently used on marine claims, depending on the fields of expertise needed.  Information can be found on the Internet or by using the directories provided by the surveying associations SAMS and NAMS.

V.                  Reporting

A.                  First report is always a captioned report on stationary and copied and e-mailed.

1.         Assignment

2.         Coverage state policy number and dates and coverage to be involved or coverage questions to be discussed and researched.

3.         Vessel identification, HIN number to police and full description of the vessel.  Is it well-maintained, including name, length, width, power and serial numbers?

4.         Description of Incident – Full description from the vessel captain or operator.  Full description of the damage involved to insured vessel or claimant’s vessel.  Identify all parties involved and separate captions for them - Insured, Claimant, Witnesses, DNR or Marine Police.

5.         Repairs scope of the damage with open area, if any, and agreed price with the owners repair yard.

VI.                Conclusion

A.                  Further Handling – List all work needed to complete the investigation or the completion of the damage report.

VII.              Billing

A.         Unless prior agreement was made, billing is done on a time and expense basis to be sent in with the final report.









Claims Management System


Many clients mean many claims management or tracking systems. Our adjusters and examiners are familiar with most "out of the box" style management systems, as well as a number of customized systems. For those clients that may not have their own system developed, we can offer a web based customizable system, tailored to the specific needs of the client.

Our claims management system is constantly under development in an effort to keep abreast of new advances in technology and deliver streamlined access and intuitive document retrieval. 

This system not only allows secure access to relevant documents, reports and at-a-glance status updates, but also allows adjusters and examiners to collaborate in real-time via video, voice or text to generate the perfect end product. 

 Currently, for catastrophes, we utilize the FileTrac CMS.

Our file handling process at a glance:


Our file handling process generally far exceeds the standards for file handling issued by our client carriers. Below is a brief description of the typical step-by-step process that has become our personal standard for handling your files:

 Claim is received via email, fax, online or by telephone

  1. Claim is entered into our CMS
  2. Claim is assigned to adjuster, who is notified via telephone and email
  3. Acknowledgment is sent to client

  • Adjuster Handling

  1. Insured is contacted on the same business day of assignment
  2. Loss is inspected within 48 hours
  3. Estimate is completed using the Xactimate estimating platform
  4. Report is submitted for internal review within 5 days

  • Internal Review

  1. Each and every file is reviewed by a staff examiner intimately familiar with the policies and procedures of your company
  2. File revisions are performed in house to ensure speedy delivery to the client 
  3. *Complete report is submitted to the client within 7 days
    • In the event of a large loss or directions from the client to secure an agreed cost or bids from a contractor or emergency mitigation service, a first report will be submitted within 5 days.

  • Revisions & Re-Inspections

  1. Any carrier requested file revisions are completed the day they are requested
  2. The client will not be charged any additional fees if a re-inspection is required as a result of items that were overlooked by the field adjuster (hidden damages do not apply).







Marine, Inland Marine and Cargo Claims

We maintain a roster of adjuster specialists focusing on Marine & Aviation claims. Smaller losses, such as container losses, inland marine losses and cargo losses can be managed anywhere within our daily claims territories. Larger losses such as ship, oil platform, wind turbine or aviation losses will generally require specialists that can usually arrive at an accessible loss site within 24-48 hours.



We work with some of the finest estimators and engineers in the nation, and have strong relationships with aviation repair facilities and shipyards. We can generate accurate estimates and secure agreed scopes and costs for repairs in record time.

 Our specialist marine adjusters are trained to handle:

  • Builders Risk (Marine Related)
  • Cargo
  • Charterer's Liability
  • General Liability
  • Hull & Machinery (P&I)
  • Offshore Property (such as drilling platforms and wind turbines)
  • Pollution
  • Ship Repairer's Liability
  • Stevedore's Liability
  • Tankerman's Liability
  • Terminal Operators Liability
  • Wharfinger's Liability









Marine Claims Investigation

High and unjustified claims in simulated cases of damage make it more difficult for ship and yacht insurance companies to maintain a customer and competition-oriented premium structure; and they, too, burden the result. Processing departments with their internally or externally involved legal advisers therefore regularly depend on professional support in order to achieve a clear understanding about the legitimacy of the underlying claims.

As regards the reconstruction of the circumstances of a loss, the discovery and return of insured asset values, or the identification and structured interrogation of witnesses and suspicious persons it is often also important to have experiences in cooperating with domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies and to have special nautical expertise.

METROPOLITAN is an approved and successful partner of notable insurance companies and in this regard knows to keep in focus the relevant legal aspects in all phases of damage investigation.

Whatever the commodity, Metropolitan has the expertise available from a professional team of consultants for undergoing surveys on a full cause, nature and extent basis.

Our expertise includes a full range of liquid cargoes and multi-commodity dry and reefer goods; together with other marine claim areas such as: damage to the ship’s hull, locks, docks, trailers and containers.

Our Clients include P & I Clubs, Cargo Underwriters & Charterers.  We work from various locations all around the US for local coverage and administer all operations from our Head Office in Newark. Due to our longstanding expertise and the specialized nature of many of the cargoes we deal with, we also travel world-wide for assignments.

We undergo reviews of claim documentation on both shortages and contamination of liquid and dry cargo claims having a vast range of experience with vessels and Terminals worldwide.

We are able to prepare our reports in a format for follow up Court Action, Arbitration or Mediation proceedings as required; we have also attended as Expert Witnesses when requested to do so.

To summarize our Marine Claims Investigation service includes the following:-

·         Full technical ‘Cause, Nature & Extent’ surveys

·         General average surveys

·         On the spot regular updates with the Client from our surveyors

·         Detailed photographic evidence, wherever possible, sent by email when required

·         Prompt but detailed reports immediately following our survey

·         Comprehensive report writing to an Expert Witness standard, as required

·         Review of claim documents for arbitration, mediation or court proceedings

We are active members of the Energy Institute, (EI) and we are quality assured to ISO 9001 giving our clients added security.







Loss Control

Loss Control is the process that is used to succeed in today’s ever demanding and evolving Petroleum industry. More than ever before, it is vital that a loss control strategy is in place working and protecting your financial interests.

Metropolitan has an unrivalled global reputation within the Loss control industry, with our dedicated team of qualified professionals including, Master Mariners, Chemists, Ex-terminal personal and experienced senior surveyors.

Losses can be categorized into two associated areas:

  • Real physical losses are caused by events such as; ROB quantities, loss of light ends, leakage or passing of vessel or terminal valves and deliberate theft or sabotage.
  • Apparent losses; these are paper losses caused by poor or erroneous procedures in quantity measurements, differing calculation procedures, sampling, sample handling and analysis as well as the different contractual methods of determining Quantity and Quality between the purchase and sale of a cargo.

Our policies ensure that we strategically evaluate an operation to prevent, minimize or eradicate both real and apparent losses.

All of METROPOLITAN’s consultants are proactive to give that added value to our principals’ commercial interest.

Our expertise enables us to investigate, react and respond to prevent our clients from suffering financial losses in cargo shortages, contaminations and demurrage claims.



We are continually preventing the loss of over 15 million USD annually to our clients.


We are ISO 9001 accredited, to give our clients quality assurance and we are active members of the Energy Institute.









Cargo Surveys & Superintendency



  Metropolitan has an unrivaled global reputation within the Cargo Surveying & Claims prevention industry, with our dedicated team of qualified and experienced professionals. METROPOLITAN have carried out numerous cargo surveys or have overseen cargo operations as Superintendents, across a wide spectrum of dry and wet cargoes.

 An outline of our experience covering particular cargoes is given within the pages listed to your left.

 Whatever the operation, be it a loading, discharge or an STS operation; or whatever the cargo, be it Dry goods, Reefer, or Petroleum such as Crude Oil, Products, or Chemicals, Bio-Fuels, LNG/LPG, we have expertise available to protect your interests.

 Our policy includes attendance at the loading and discharging or STS operations; until confirmation of both quantity and quality are successfully obtained. By doing such, we have found that we have been in a stronger position to prevent our clients from suffering financial losses in cargo shortages, cargo contamination and demurrage claims.

 Precise and regular communication with our clients, both prior and during an assignment by the attending Surveyor or Superintendent is an integral part of our service.







Crude Oil & Petroleum Products

 In an ever-evolving world market of clean & black oil trading, transportation and storage, it is vital, more than ever before, that a loss control strategy is in place - working on your behalf.

 METROPOLITAN have a wealth of global experience in the monitoring, measurement and control of a wide range of various crude oils and petroleum products.
Our Loss Control techniques include:

  • 100 % attendance during a load, discharge or STS operation
  • "Squeeze dry" discharge operations, effective C.O.W plan and monitoring,
    particularly of heated or waxy natured cargoes
  • Multi Point ROB/OBQ assessment
  • Specialized Closed sampling techniques available
  • Direct "real time" field communication with our clients
  • Protection of the Principal’s commercial interest
  • Analytical witnessing
  • Minimizing demurrage costs
  • Cargo Blending, both on board and in terminal
  • Oversight of cargo document accuracy
  • Detailed and unbiased report of events
  • Loss Investigation

Other Liquids & Services


 Other Liquids







Bio-Fuels


Metropolitan are building their knowledge base with Bio-Fuels having been requested to attend for shipments and on claims matters relating to these products. We are also part of a Working Group with the Energy Institute liaising with FOSFA & API to put forward proposals of standards on measurement practice. In addition, on the quality side we have been gaining experience with each cargo we have been involved with; as there is such a variety of products available in the market each with varying quality standards. METROPOLITAN are well placed to be able to assist you with any recent Claims matters and also with Loss Control and Claims Prevention.





LNG/LPG


Metropolitan have experience with measurement practice and certain claims matters relating to these cargoes and are well placed to be able to assist you with any recent Claims matters and also with Loss Control and Claims Prevention.

Other Services


Terminal Shore Tank Auditing (Inventories)


Metropolitan qualified team can offer an Inventory service linked to any operational Loss Control system your company may run.



Vessel Tank Cleaning


Metropolitan  qualified team can offer:

  • A pre-wash vessel tank inspection
  • A vessel washing equipment inspection & suitability report
  • A risk assessment and time-scale report
  • A bespoke tank washing programmer, designed individually, for each vessel
  • Use of chemical wash if needed
  • 100% attendance during washing operation
  • Direct field communication with our clients
  • Motivation, support and guidance to a vessel’s officers and crew

Our attendance can reduce a vessel’s down-time and eliminates possible next cargo contamination.

 Closed Sampling of Liquid Cargoes

Metropolitan  is aware that contaminated and non-representative samples can cause lengthy delays for Oil Majors and Traders - both after loading and prior to discharging.

That is why METROPOLITAN has experience with specialized closed sampling equipment which can eradicate the time lost due to the necessity of re-sampling or re-analyzing owing to erroneous contamination claims on sensitive and light cargoes. The system ensures that samples are not contaminated with particulates from the vessels vapor locks.

Unlike many vessels' sampling equipment used for obtaining cargo tank samples; the equipment we can employ draws representative running, spot or dead bottom samples on oil tankers via their vapor lock system.

In today's work place, with advancing safety and environmental considerations, the system eradicates the need for "open sampling" and enables accurate representative samples to be drawn.

The closed sampler ensures that no gases are expelled from a vessel tanks during sampling, essential when dealing with high H2S cargoes.

 We are active members of the Energy Institute and we are quality assured to ISO 9001.


 Commercial Risk Management






Oil Terminal Inspections and Audits

METROPOLITAN has experience in Oil Terminal Inspections and Audits to international recognized standards for Oil Majors, Traders and Insurers.

Surveillance of Oil Jetty Operations

METROPOLITAN has the experience of delivering specialized bespoke marine related services. Their expertise and professionalism has been called upon to represent the interests of Marine Assurance departments within Major Oil Companies in outlying ports and at Oil Terminals where difficulties / incidents have been experienced in the past. METROPOLITAN are able to offer that measure of confidence in the vessel operations by their attendance where there has been a lack of it in the past. Due to the unique ‘personal professional’ manner of operating, our Consultants are able to deliver results in what has been described previously as almost impossible circumstances.

These services can be tailor-made to the Clients requirements. We draw on a vast resource of experience in order to deliver just-in-time services, which is quite a frequent request in today’s heavily litigious society.

We are ISO 9001 accredited, to give our clients quality assurance and we are members of the Energy Institute and Nautical Institute.







 AVIATION CLAIMS

Our aviation adjusters are capable of handling hull claims and liability claims on all types of aircraft and aviation facilities. We maintain a strong roster of experienced aviation engineering and mechanical specialists. Our aviation adjusters are top notch, with A&P licensed professionals (with real world experience) and FAA Airframe Engineers acting as our estimators, former Commercial Pilots & Airline Transport Pilots acting as our C&O consultants (and adjusters in some cases) and Inspection Authorization professionals for review and quality assurance of our estimates. 

 We maintain a solid relationship with aviation MRO's and FBO's throughout the US, and can perform accurate adjusting with Accelerated results.





METROPOLITAN’S ACCELERATED ADJUSTING

Claims Management System


Many clients mean many claims management or tracking systems. Our adjusters and examiners are familiar with most "out of the box" style management systems, as well as a number of customized systems. For those clients that may not have their own system developed, we can offer a web based customizable system, tailored to the specific needs of the client.

Our claims management system is constantly under development in an effort to keep abreast of new advances in technology and deliver streamlined access and intuitive document retrieval. 

This system not only allows secure access to relevant documents, reports and at-a-glance status updates, but also allows adjusters and examiners to collaborate in real-time via video, voice or text to generate the perfect end product. 

 Currently, for catastrophes, we utilize the FileTrac CMS.

Our file handling process at a glance:


Our file handling process generally far exceeds the standards for file handling issued by our client carriers. Below is a brief description of the typical step-by-step process that has become our personal standard for handling your files:



  • Claim is received via email, fax, online or by telephone

  1. Claim is entered into our CMS
  2. Claim is assigned to adjuster, who is notified via telephone and email
  3. Acknowledgment is sent to client

  • Adjuster Handling

  1. Insured is contacted on the same business day of assignment
  2. Loss is inspected within 48 hours
  3. Estimate is completed using the Xactimate estimating platform
  4. Report is submitted for internal review within 5 days

  • Internal Review

  1. Each and every file is reviewed by a staff examiner intimately familiar with the policies and procedures of your company
  2. File revisions are performed in house to ensure speedy delivery to the client 
  3. *Complete report is submitted to the client within 7 days
    • In the event of a large loss or directions from the client to secure an agreed cost or bids from a contractor or emergency mitigation service, a first report will be submitted within 5 days.

  • Revisions & Re-Inspections

  1. Any carrier requested file revisions are completed the day they are requested
  2. The client will not be charged any additional fees if a re-inspection is required as a result of items that were overlooked by the field adjuster (hidden damages do not apply).