<要旨>Hazria LNGターミナルにおいて、LNG貨物の揚げ数量が積み数量より減少しているのを受けて、スラトの税関長より通知が発行されています。通知によれば、現地代理店はCustoms Act 1962のsection 116 に従い、荷揚げの際に貨物数量不足が発生した場合、その理由を届け出ることが求められます。詳細は添付Bulletin 1144をご覧ください。

A number of notifications have been received by Members operating LNG tankers, from The Superintendent of Customs in Surat, concerning alleged shortages for recent shipments of LNG to Hazira LNG. The notifications require local agents to explain, in accordance with section 116 of Customs Act 1962, why there has been a shortage upon discharge. The notification typically gives the agent a short timeframe within which to respond.

Whilst the basis upon which these notices are being issued is questionable, in that the quantity of cargo discharged is always below that loaded in the LNG trade, local Club correspondents Pandi Correspondents advise that a letter explaining that it is customary in the LNG trade for cargo to boil-off during transit, be burned as fuel and be retained as "heel" should be prepared and lodged with Surat Customs House to avoid any default proceedings. In order to bolster that explanation we recommend that the Club's publication "Liquefied Natural Gas" is appended to the agent's letter. A link to the publication is set out below:

Liquefied natural gas -

https://www.ukpandi.com/knowledge-publications/article/liquefied-natural-gas-1076/

Should the Superintendent of Customs still not accept the Member's explanation for the apparent discrepancy, a notice to show cause will be issued and an oral hearing set down to consider the matter. Should that occur correspondents recommend that a legal representative be appointed to represent the Member.

If Members have any questions or would like further guidance on this subject they should not hesitate to consult their usual Club contact.

Nick Milner

Syndicate Manager

Thomas Miller P&I (Europe)