A new clause has been introduced by BIMCO this September in order to provide a clear allocation of both the costs and responsibilities relating to Cargo fumigation operations.
The clause can be used for both voyage and time charter parties, although it is predominantly aimed at Cargo Fumigation in the dry bulk sector, comprising mostly bagged or free-flowing agricultural cargoes.
The IMO has created a set of recommendations that describes fumigation procedures in detail and offers a framework for safe fumigation operations. The additional clause also addresses the concept of detention for fumigation-related delay outside of lay time.
For a copy of this Clause, visit the BIMCO website here:
Hold preparation is probably the most vital part of bulk carrier operations; if it is not undertaken properly, it can result in substantial cargo claims, delays, additional cleaning, survey costs and expensive off-hire disputes.
During the initial stages of the voyage, the vessel encountered heavy weather, with spray and seas shipped on deck and all hatch covers over a period of 8 days; this video explores how this affected the maize cargo.
The preparation of cargo holds for the next intended carriage is a critical operation which requires careful planning and execution; this article considers a number of legal issues which may arise, including terms commonly used in charterparties to describe the cleanliness of cargo holds, the consequences of failing to comply with such terms, potentially resulting in off-hire claims and damages, and the role of the independent surveyor.
