Shipping consultancy Brookes Bell has brought in four cargo scientists to expand its global services.
The PhD-level recruits are joining in the UK and Asia.
The scientists provide expert opinion, as well as assisting in determining the cause, nature and extent of spoilage and contamination incidents involving cargoes such as grains and animal feeds, chemicals, fertilisers, liquefaction of minerals, self-heating and fires.
They also advise clients on matters relating to loss prevention and ship safety in regard to the carriage of hazardous cargoes.
Bryan Ward and Marcelo Rodrigues have joined in Liverpool, while Karwei So and Wen Li are now in position in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Brookes Bell was bought by Thomas Miller last year.
