The UK Club has received a number of updates from its correspondent network regarding the decision of a number of countries to cut diplomatic ties to Qatar.

A number of Arab countries have cut diplomatic and trading ties with Qatar. While the situation remains fluid, the position in the countries involved may be summarised as follows. It is likely that matters will become clearer in the coming days and this webpage will be updated to reflect the position.

Latest Developments as below:

Bahrain

The cutting of diplomatic ties with Qatar was announced early on 5 June 2017. Exact details are not yet available with regard to shipment of goods and vessels calling to and from Qatari Ports.

A government notice was issued on 5 June 2017 advising that all Bahraini ports and territorial waters will remain suspended for marine navigation to and from Qatar, with effect from 6 June 2017.

All Qatari visitors and residents have been given two weeks to leave Bahraini territory, and Bahraini citizens are also banned from travelling to Qatar.

Egypt

All Qatari vessels are prohibited to enter Egyptian ports.

Flights between Egypt and Qatar will be temporarily suspended.

Qatari nationals entering Egypt are likely to face difficulties.

Suez Canal transits allowed to all vessels/flags/nations subject to compliance with conditions stated in the present rules of navigation.

Oman

• No restrictions as of now
• Milaha will start operating a feeder from Sohar to Doha. Please be in touch with the lines for further updates.
• Khasab Port (northern Oman) has agreed to issue port clearance.
• Most container lines are routing shipments enroute to Qatar via Oman (Salalah or Sohar). Please be in touch with the lines for further updates.
• Many container lines are now accepting new bookings to / from Doha via Oman. Please be in touch with the lines for further updates.

Saudi Arabia

Qatari-flagged ships are banned from Saudi ports, as are ships owned and operated by Qatari nationals, and Qatari cargoes will be refused permission for discharge.

UAE

Fujairah and Jebel Ali ports will not admit any vessel calling from Qatar, and will not issue any outward clearance to Qatar as the next intended port. This is also applicable to foreign-flagged vessels.

Qatari nationals will not be allowed to call at Fujairah Port for any purpose.

The Fujairah Immigration Department is not allowing personnel to join or sign off the vessel if the vessel's next or last port is Qatar. This is also applicable to foreign-flagged vessels.

Vessels will not be permitted to call for bunkering or owners' matters at Fujairah offshore anchorage if the vessel's next or last port is Qatar. This is also applicable to foreign-flagged vessels.

NB - it is anticipated that the restrictions currently applied by the Fujairah port authorities will be taken up by other UAE ports.

Qatari transhipment cargo will be allowed on board, but not for discharge for feedering to Qatar.

Qatari cargo already landed must be cleared through Customs within the next 24 hours.

Immigration of Qatari Nationals has been suspended, and all Qatari visitors and residents have been given two weeks to leave UAE territory, and UAE citizens are banned from travelling to Qatar.

The UAE land border is closed to Qatari cargo.

UPDATE: The Club has received the below details regarding UAE. Members please note that there are now

different rules for Abu Dhabi Ports and Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports.

Abu Dhabi Ports (Port Khalifa, Musaffa Port, Mina Syed Port)

Following vessels and cargo categories are not allowed:

• Qatari flag vessel or owned by Qatari Companies or Qatari individuals.
• Vessels loading/discharging any cargo of Qatari origin.
• Vessels loading any cargo of UAE origin destined for Qatar.
• All vessels going to/coming from Qatar as last/next port of call, irrespective of the flag

Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports (Ruwais Area)

Following vessels and cargo categories are not allowed:

• Qatari flag vessel or owned by Qatari Companies or Qatari individuals.
• Vessels loading/discharging any cargo of Qatari origin.
• Vessels loading any cargo of UAE origin destined for Qatar.
• All vessels going to/coming from Qatar as last/next port of call, irrespective of the flag

Port of Fujairah (UPDATE 13.06.17)

Vessels flying Qatar flags or vessels destined to or arrival from Qatar ports are not allowed to call Port of Fujairah and Fujairah Offshore Anchorage regardless their nature of call. Vessels to vacate anchorage immediately if:

• Qatari flag vessel or owned by Qatari Companies or Qatari individuals. (Part or fully owned or insured by Qatari insurance company)
• Vessels loading/discharging any cargo of Qatari origin.
• Vessels loading any cargo of UAE origin destined for Qatar.
• The Port has verbally advised all Shipping Agents in Fujairah that,  ALL vessels EXCEPT Qatari flag and Qatari Owned, whether coming from / going to Qatar are now permitted to perform bunkering, de-slopping, fresh water supply and delivery of provisions at Fujairah anchorage , however, crew changes is still not permitted.

Jebel Ali Port, Hamriya Port, Port Rashid

The following vessels are not allowed in DP World, UAE Region port or its anchorage areas with immediate effect until further notice

• All Qatari flagged/owned vessels
• All vessels going to/coming from Qatar as last/next port of call, irrespective of the flag
• Vessels loading/discharging cargo destined to to/from Qatar

Saqr Port, Ras Al Khaimah Port, RAK Maritime City, Al Jazeera Port, Al Jeer Port including offshore anchorage

Following vessels and cargo categories are not allowed:

• All Qatari flagged/owned vessels
• All vessels going to/coming from Qatar as last/next port of call, irrespective of the flag
• Vessels loading/discharging cargo destined to to/from Qatar

Potential implication of the current situation on P&I cover:

Rule 2 Section 17 provides that cover may be prejudiced if there is a deviation or departure from the contractually agreed voyage or adventure which deprives the Insured Owner of the right to rely on defences or rights of limitation which would otherwise have been available to him.

If a Member's contract contains an appropriately drafted liberty clause incorporated in the bill of lading or applicable contract of carriage, then there should be no concern and no risk of losing defences and limitations.

However, in the absence of an appropriate liberty clause, Members should consult with their usual contacts at the Club to discuss the exact circumstance of each situation.