On 31 December 2019, the WHO China Country Office was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. A novel coronavirus was identified as the causative virus on 7 January 2020.
1 January 2020 marked the date of mandatory enforcement of the latest version of the IMDG Code, Amendment 39-18. As a consequence, UKP&I and TT Club have again collaborated to update their publication ‘Book it right and pack it tight’. This guide provides key insights for all actors in the freight supply chain responsible for preparing unitised consignments for carriage by sea.
The USCG’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has issued an updated guidance outlining how it will enforce Marpol Annex VI requirements, including the IMO 2020 Sulphur cap, within the two US.
The UK Club have received the following update from our local correspondents Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd regarding guidelines for supervision and management of air pollutant emissions.
Herniated discs, strains, sprains, inflammation, stiffness and tenderness are just some of the back pain symptoms reported to the UK Club due to heavy lifting and day to day shipboard activities.
Members are advised that Turkey has issued new tariffs for pollution fines in 2020. The new tariff rates below are for real persons, and are applicable from 01.01.20 to 31.12.20.
On 29 December 2019, Singapore implemented the Protocol of 1996 to Amend the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (the “1996 Protocol”).
The UK P&I Club have received the following notice from the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Seaway System, regarding the closing of the 2019 navigation season.
The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a shipping circular announcing that the Green Ship Programme has been extended to 31 December 2024.
The purpose of the ICA is to avoid lengthy and costly litigation on matters of liability and apportionment, and instead seeks to provide a ‘rough and ready’ split of liability between the parties. The Clubs recommend to their Members that they adopt the Agreement for the purpose of apportioning liability for claims in respect of cargo which arise under, out of or in connection with all charterparties on the NYPE Form 1946 or Asbatime Form 1981, whether or not this Agreement has been incorporated into such charterparties. However, unless the ICA is specifically incorporated into the charterparty, it may not be enforceable.
While no changes are anticipated in the US enforced Emission Control Areas (ECAs) on or after 1 January, 2020, US regions outside the ECAs will need to ensure compliance with the IMO’s 2020 global 0.5% sulphur cap from 1 January, 2020.
The Charterers Terms and Conditions for the 2020 policy year are available now. The terms and conditions no longer are in the same Rule book as the owned mutual cover, and the new format should make it easier for Charterer Members and their brokers to use.
A major strength of the International Group remains its pooling arrangements and the General Excess of Loss and Collective Overspill Programme (GXL programme), which provides shipowners with un-paralleled levels of cover. All shipowners will be aware of the hardening reinsurance market and upward pressure on premiums. Despite this, the longevity and relative stability of the GXL programme has enabled the Group to achieve renewal for 2020/21 on expiring rates for shipowners. Of additional benefit, the US$2 billion excess of US$100 million placed in the commercial market has been confirmed for two years. This will help provide a degree of reinsurance pricing stability for the next two years whilst maintaining flexibility to fund claims within the Pool.
May we wish all our Members and friends a Seasons Greetings and a happy, prosperous and joyous 2020. As always, our best wishes and thoughts are particularly with the crews who keep watch on board ships at sea through this time.
