“UAB is user-friendly and efficient while keeping everyone connected.”

At AmSpec, we used to spend all day in phone calls back and forth with vessels, agents and terminals. These calls often led to misunderstandings. All our information is now on UAB-Online and so all our processes run smoothly.

Liquid bulk inspection

Do you want to inspect the specifications and quantity of liquid bulk on a vessel? Look no further! AmSpec can take care of it. This company, specialising in liquid bulk quantity and quality inspection, came to Europe from the United States of America seven years ago. Its first facility was located at the Rotterdam Technical Center (RTC), Rozenburg. Since then, the company has added locations across Europe and expanded into Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

“Our surveyors measure quantities and take liquid samples, primarily on board vessels, but also on trains and inland tanks,” explains Freek. “We then analyse them in our laboratory. We make sure the data meet the client’s specifications. Then we supervise loading or unloading. AmSpec makes sure liquid bulk is safely loaded or unloaded.” 

Ring, ring, ring

Even though Freek has been using UAB-Online for years, he still remembers how things used to work. “We used to spend all day on the phone with vessels, agents and terminals. The calls were about planning, announcement times and arranging vessel arrivals. This took up a lot of time and caused misunderstandings. These misunderstandings sometimes led to arguments. Because everything was agreed orally it was always you said this. It was hard to determine who was right.”

Everything in writing

It was a relief when we implemented UAB-Online and had all the relevant information in writing. “Now, everyone knows when a vessel was announced because you can see it on the platform. You can also re-read the information or add more details later. We use the email notification function to get vessel pre-announcements and announcements and any other status updates. That is a major improvement and it saves us a lot of calls,” says Freek.

“UAB connects everyone involved, which means working together is more efficient.”

Freek Spann, Survey Department Head, AmSpec Group

User-friendly and efficient

This isn’t the only positive thing Freek has to say about UAB-Online. “We start the platform as standard every day. We check arrival times and download relevant documents. Nobody complains about the platform because it is all very intuitive. It is user-friendly and works really well because of that,” he explains. “We have advance access to information that usually requires filling in forms, such as port of loading documents, previous cargoes and bills of lading. This is much more efficient because you no longer have to ask for this information.”

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed another advantage. “During the pandemic, we found another value-add of having all our documentation in digital format. We need different people to sign the documents. With UAB-Online, you can sign the documents through the system, without having to be there in person. The platform has become a digital database.”

Suggesting improvements via a work group

Freek started out as a user of UAB-Online, but after three years, the relationship has grown. Freek: “I came into contact with Bas and later Hans through another company. They told me they wanted to improve the platform and asked if I wanted to discuss this with them. I liked UAB-Online then and now, and agreed to talk to them about the system. I have been sharing my opinion and offering suggestions for improvement in a work group with terminal representatives and other surveyors ever since.”

These discussions have led to specific improvements that UAB has implemented. “One example is a surveyor module, which is coming soon. This module is used to optimise our planning, which results in shorter waiting times and a faster turnaround for the vessels. I really like this partnership. UAB is always pleased to hear my input and they use it to improve their product,” Freek smiles.

App development and linking planning

Even though the system is continuously improving, there are always new ideas to take it to the next level. Freek: “UAB-Online has been further developed and expanded over the last few years. We appreciate this. I hope an app will be added in the future. A light version of the platform that works on smart phones.” Freek also sees room for improvement in the area of planning. “We have our own planning platform where we manually add UAB data. It would be a good idea to link the two platforms, to make sure we always have the latest data. I am working with UAB to automate this.”

Connecting factor

Freek is a satisfied UAB-Online customer. “On the one hand, it is a unique, independent program. It is the point of connection between boatmasters, terminals, surveyors, agents and suppliers. Everyone finds the same information in the same database, which means we all have the same evolving information. This is why it works so well for everyone.

“On the other hand, the collaboration with UAB is special. They are trying to connect with their customers and ask everyone from surveyors to terminals to share their input regarding improvements. What makes them so special is that they are always ready to start a conversation to make the platform even better. I am pleased to help with this.”