UPDATE: This policy has now been revoked. Please see the latest Club update.
Sulphur 2020 PSC inspections
28/10/2019
The new IMO global sulphur cap requirements enter force on 1st January 2020 and a robust and consistent approach to compliance is expected by all Port State Control (PSC) regimes.
The UK P&I Club has received the following update from Freehill Hogan and Mahar regarding an established winddown period for COSCO.
The International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996 ("the HNS Convention") was adopted in May 1996. It is modelled on CLC 1992 but intended to cover damages caused by spillage of hazardous and noxious substances during maritime transportation.
The UK Club have received the following update from Freehill Hogan and Mahar, regarding the United States decision to lift sanctions on Turkey.
China MSA announces their Implementation Plan of 2020 Global Marine Fuel Oil Sulphur Limits
23/10/2019
In order to effectively implement the IMO's global regulations on the limits of the sulphur content of marine fuel oil, China MSA announced the Implementation Plan of 2020 Global Marine Fuel Oil Sulphur Limits (hereinafter referred to as "The Plan") on 23 October 2019.
The ICC Incoterms rules define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for the delivery of goods under sales contracts, and determine how costs and risks are allocated between the parties.The ICC published Incoterms 2020 ("the rules") on 10 September and the terms will come into force on 1 January 2020.
The UK Club have received the following client alert from law firm Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers and Consultants, regarding significant amendments to the Turkish Ports Regulation.
QCR Autumn 2019: Classic Maritime Inc v Limbungan Makmur SDN BHD & Anor [2019] EWCA Civ 1102
21/10/2019
On 5 November 2015, the Fundao dam in Brazil where iron ore is mined, burst, halting production at the mine. Charterers had a long term COA with Owners for shipments of iron ore pellets from two ports in Brazil to two ports in Malaysia. Between July 2015 and June 2016, Charterers failed to provide cargoes under the COA for seven shipments. While Charterers had no defence in respect of the 1st and 2ndshipments, they cited "accidents at the mine" in clause 32 of the COA to excuse themselves from liability in respect of the 3rd to 7th shipments.
The claimant (Mrs McKeever) owned and lived on Creola (a 15m sailing yacht). On 19 March 2014, the yacht ran aground in the Sulu Sea. The hull had not been breached but as the yacht could not be refloated, the claimant abandoned her, having secured and padlocked the hatches.
The "Mount Apo" and the "Hanjin Ras Laffan" [2019] SGHC 57
The California State Lands Commission has issued an update regarding Assembly Bill (AB) 912 being signed into law. The AB will bring in the following changes to the Marine Invasive Species Act as from 1st January 2020:
The following table lists countries which have imposed bans on vessels fitted with open-loop SOx scrubbers calling at their ports, and on the discharge of washwater from these scrubber systems within their port waters.
The UK Club have received the following circular from local correspondents Proinde, regarding an extensive oil spill in Northeast Brazil and its impact on shipping activities in the region.
Mineral Ban in Indonesia
10/10/2019
Members may have been aware of the looming ban on raw nickel ore export s out of Indonesia, as governed by Regulation of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) No. 11 of 2019 which was to take effect from January 1, 2020.
From 1 January 2020, the new 0.5% m/m global limit for sulphur in fuel used on board ships comes into effect. Parties in the bunker chain i.e. those involved in the production, distribution, storage, handling and use of bunker fuels have expressed concerns over the practical implementation of this new global limit, a substantial drop from the current 3.5% m/m. A Joint Industry Project (JIP) was therefore established to raise awareness of the issues which might arise.
Douala, Cameroon: Port Profile update
20/09/2019
The UK Club have received the attached updated port profile for Douala, Cameroon, including new information regarding armed guards at anchorage.
The UK Club has received the following update from Oasis P&I Services Company Ltd., regarding breach of low-sulphur fuel requirements in ECA in China.
Safe Carriage of Nickel Ore
13/09/2019
The Club wishes to remind Members of the liquefaction risks during the carriage of nickel ore, as the shipping community continues to witness further casualties.
The USCG recently published a final rule establishing increased limits under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990