TMA conducted its annual fall Americas Member seminar on current non-bodily injury topics October 23rd, in our office in Jersey City. A broad cross section of Members attended, including dry and liquid bulk carriers, liner operators, and charterers/traders. Bill Juska of Freehill Hogan & Mahar detailed the significant developments over the last year with respect to sanctions involving Russia, Ukraine, and Iran. Lindsay Malen of Titan Salvage discussed the escalating costs of wreck removal, and what would happen if Costa Concordia incident occurred in US waters. Jonathan Spencer of The Spencer Company provided the average adjuster’s view of GA. TMA’s Mike Crowley moderated the charter parties/bill of lading session, as usual featuring American and English counsel in order to provide views applicable to the Member’s choice of law and venue. Eric Danoff of Emard Danoff Port Tamulsky & Walovich in San Francisco expressed the American view, and Kirsty MacHardy of Campbell Johnston Clark provided the English law perspective. The topics included Ebola (particularly charter party clauses applicable to the crisis), and a discussion of documentation key to handling of large cargo and casualty disputes between owners, charterers and cargo interests.
In this short article, the Club takes a look back one of the most notorious historical incident in maritime history, the sinking of Titanic; this casualty gives us the opportunity to examine the reported facts, to reflect and understand human error and avoid those mistakes from being repeated that others have made.
This report outlines an example of an accident caused by dragging anchor and an examination of possible ways to prevent a ship from dragging its anchors.
The UK P&I Club recently held a webinar on the maintenance and proper use of mooring ropes; the webinar received an overwhelming response with attendees from more than 50 countries worldwide.
Further to the UK Club’s recent Legal Update on Electronic Bills of Lading (Part I & Part II), the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers are provided for Members’ additional guidance.
