European Commission Review
The European Commission has announced on 26th August that, following the expiry of the second 10 year exemption for the International Group Agreement, it is carrying out a review and making inquiries into certain aspects of the International Group's claim-sharing and joint reinsurance arrangements.
The Commission has informed the International Group that its enquiries are not prompted by a complaint. It is normal practice for the European Commission to review the position on expiry of an individual exemption. In relation to the aspects under review, there have been no relevant or material changes to the Group's arrangements, or the P&I market, since the Commission's exemption decision in 1999. Pending the outcome of the Commission's review, the Group's arrangements remain unaffected.
For further information please see the International Group's statement and FAQ.
Deadline for Salvage VRPs confirmed
A circular issued this week by our Club, and the other clubs in the International Group, informs Members of the 22nd February 2011 deadline in respect of VRPs for salvage and marine fire-fighting arrangements.
This circular 12/10 applies primarily to owners and operators of tank vessels carrying oil to US ports.
Owners and operators who are required to have such revised VRPs were originally set the deadline of 1st June 2010.
In addition to the February 2011 deadline the US Coast Guard Final Rule requires oil tanker owners/operators to ensure pre-contracted salvors & fire-fighters are adequate to provide the equipment and manpower needed for responding to incidents, including worst case scenarios. The 15 capability criteria set out by the USCG are included in Annex 1 of the circular.
As advised to Members last year in Circular 06/09 last year, the final rule, effective on 30th January 2009, clarifies the salvage and marine fire-fighting services that must be contracted in VRPs for tank vessels. It establishes new response time requirements for each of the required salvage and marine fire-fighting services and establishes criteria for vetting salvage and marine fire-fighting service resource providers.
Members should contact their hull/property underwriters to discuss any implications with regard to their hull or other covers arising from the contracts and funding agreements associated with this VRP compliance.
China oil pollution regulations
Because of the continuing uncertainty regarding their implementation we have compiled a special web page of materials and references on the Regulations including a 24 hour service line contact number for China Marine Services for use in the event of difficulties with port entry.
Marpol Annex VI
MARPOL Annex VI sets limits on sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances. It also contains provisions allowing for special SOx Emission Control Areas (SECAS) to be established with more stringent controls on sulphur emissions.
Piracy
Click the link above for a dedicated page incorporating essential precautions and preparation against piracy, as well as additional information and resources, loss prevention advisories and useful external web links
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