Legal Briefing: Cargo Claims under US law
09/02/2017
The latest publication from the UK Club Legal Briefing team provides a guide to cargo claims under US law.
Bodily Injury News: Winter 2016 Edition
13/12/2016
This year's Bodily Injury Seminar covered a variety of important areas relevant to both US and foreign flag shipowners. Twenty-five Members representing all vessel types, attended the seminar in our Jersey City office to listen to experts talk on: Limitation of Liability, How to Evaluate Pain and Suffering Damages, Crew Mental Health, Medical Case Management, and Medical Repatriation. Find out more in the latest edition of Bodily Injury News.
Legal Briefing- Antarctic treaty
31/10/2016
The latest briefing from the legal team covers the Antarctic Treaty and its Environment Protocol.
In Vinnlustodin HFVatryggingaffelag Islands HF vs Sea Tank Shipping AS [2016], the English Commercial Court was required to determine a preliminary "Limitation Issue"
Updated Towage guidance note
18/10/2015
This note is designed for shipowners and their brokers to outline the P&I coverage of their ships during towage to a repair yard.
What are the key charterers' risks?
16/06/2014
Dr Chao Wu, Legal Director of Thomas Miller P&I Ltd explains the key risks to which a charterer is most commonly exposed and for which cover is available.
This comprehensive "white paper" presents a detailed compilation of research findings and ongoing projects related to oil spills in ice-covered Arctic waters.
...addressed to the Secretary of Labor and Employment, Rosalinda Baldoz and Undersecretary, Danilo Cruz
IG's position paper discussing the recognition of escrow as a viable mode for executing NLRC judgment awards
"The issue of garnishment in the Philippines is an issue that the Council firmly believes is of detriment to the employment of Filipino seafarers,....."
On 6th March 2014 the Court of Appeal has ruled that a Limitation Fund can now be constituted by way of a Letter of Undertaking ("LOU") given by a P&I Club, as opposed to a cash payment into court.
"...the conditional obligation that 'no payment shall be given to the claimant/s during the pendency of the case before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court' requires legislative enactment..."
Ukraine sanctions - Update 14th March 2014
07/03/2014
The Club continues to monitor the ongoing state of affairs in the Ukraine and Crimea closely. At present the situation remains in the balance pending the result of the general referendum on the future status of Crimea, to be held on the16th March 2014.
Members are advised to take care to sign the updated WSMC enrolment agreement which is compliant with International Group guidelines ( Circular 22/13 ) and not earlier unapproved versions as described in Circular 17/13.
A brief step-by-step guide to accessing your Certificates of Entry and other cover documentation via the private Members Area of the website.
The easing of U.S. sanctions may have the most significant impact on the maritime community is the permissible trade in Iranian petrochemicals, as well as the permissible trade in Iranian crude oil to the six countries permitted to continue their purchases of Iranian crude. However, at this point there is no guarantee that the easing of sanctions will continue beyond 180 days, and, therefore, those in the maritime community should not enter any long-term contracts based on the relief granted on January 20. Further, it should be noted that if a permissible activity under the eased sanctions is initiated within the JPoA period, but is not completed until after that period expires on July 20, 2014, the activity will be subject to sanctions.
A relaxation of current EU and US sanctions from 20th January for trial six month period will enable the Club to provide cover for certain voyages carrying Iranian oil and petroleum products as well as petrochemicals. Members are recommended to review these changes carefully and consult their relevant Competent Authority and the Club where appropriate before engaging in potentially sanctioned activity.
These twenty or more 'frequently asked questions' include guidance on the Final Rule and its application, the contractual arrangements that need to be in place as part of VRP compliance and various points on remaining within cover. Updated 10th December 2013.
If you are the owner/operator of vessels trading to the United States, you should be aware of the imminent new environmental requirements set out below. These requirements have already been explained in Club circulars, but you may find it helpful to have this overview where they are collected in one place. If you have not yet considered how to comply, now is the time to act.
US Coast Guard: Nontank Vessel Response Plans - Frequently Asked Questions - December 2nd 2013
05/12/2013
The US Coast Guard has published a booklet of FAQs titled "Nontank Vessel Response Plans (NTVRP) - Frequently Asked Questions - December 02, 2013". The FAQs are attached here in PDF format. They can also be viewed in the "