A collection of frequently asked questions on various topics relating to the shipping industry, answered for ease of UK Club Members and the wider maritime community.

The UK Club's Crew Health team have partnered with Red Square Medical to supply this critical advice on musculoskeletal disorders to Seafarers.

We have been working with over 200 members of our correspondents network to produce a comprehensive document that outlines challenges and changes for crew changes in ports.

On 17 October 2020, the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (SCNPC) passed the Export Control Law of the People’s Republic of China (the “ECL”) and the same entered into force on 1st December 2020.

Collision at sea within EEZ of PRC — Forum non conveniens — Whether Hong Kong proceedings should be stayed in favour of Shanghai Maritime Court.

Are damages claimable in addition to demurrage following a delay in discharging?

Bunker spill from an oil and chemical tanker in ballast – Is the tanker a “ship” as defined in the CLC Convention when in ballast, and not carrying persistent oil?- Is limitation to be determined under CLC 1992 or the Bunker Convention 2001/ LLMC 76/96?

Collision action – Convoy of eight vessels transiting Suez Canal – Five-ship Casualty – 100% Liability for collisions

The Club would like to draw Members’ attention to the new 2021 pollution fine tariffs in Turkey, applicable from 1 January 2021.

May we wish all our Members and friends a wonderful festive period and a happy, prosperous 2021.

May we wish all our Members and friends Seasons Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year.

Members will recall that the US, whilst not a State Party to the Ballast Water Management Convention, moved its federal performance standards for ballast water discharges closer to those of the IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention following the enactment of its Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) in 2018.

In a press briefing dated 21 December 2020, the Secretary-General of the IMO spoke out against “no crew change” clauses in charterparties.

Members are referred to the December 2020 (No 19) edition of “P&I Review – Russian Federation”, published by the UK P&I Club’s Correspondents, OceanClaw Marine Services Limited.

Luke Lane is a Senior Claims Director working from the London office in Syndicate EMEA1.

The International Group Pooling and GXL Reinsurance contract structure for 2021 have now been finalised.

Notice is hereby given that a Special General Meeting of the Members of ‘UK(E)’ - The United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance Association (Europe) Limited - will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday 19th January 2021 at the offices of Thomas Miller P&I (Europe) Limited.

The day-to-day business of the Club is delegated to an independent firm of professional managers, Thomas Miller P&I (Europe) Ltd.