'Venky' Venkiteswaran (S. Venkiteswaran) who died on 21st December was a most distinguished lawyer (a Senior Advocate or QC) who worked for the transport clubs' interests in India for over 40 years. A brilliant lawyer and charismatic figure, he was the confidante and advisor to many in the Indian transport world and his advice was equally sought by the Government and the Director-General of Shipping.
On 21 December 2012, the EU Council approved the implementing regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1263/2012 amending Regulation (EU) No 267/2012) concerning restrictive measures against Iran. The new regulation gives legal effect to the restrictive measures agreed in Council Decision 2012/635/CFSP adopted in October 2012 (previously reported on the Club webpage:
The European Union Council's decision to prohibit the transport of natural gas from Iran extends to the insurance of such transport. It is likely to have an immediate impact on Members whether or not subject to EU jurisdictions. When the decision takes effect, the Club will not provide cover to any Member in respect of carriage of natural gas originated in Iran.
On the 16th October an EU Council decision declared a prohibition on the transport of natural gas to Iran. The ban extends the insurance and reinsurance of such transport so will have impact on Members whether or not subject to the EU jurisdictions. When the Decision takes effect, the Club will be prohibited from providing cover to any Member in respect of carriage of natural gas originated in Iran.
The International Group FAQs address questions such as do armed guards prejudice P&I cover and what are 'weapons of war'. Contractual questions relating to armed guards and charterers and issues on general average and ransoms are also covered here.
The Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 substantially expands the already broad sanctions, which could be imposed against foreign entities doing business with Iran. It also provides for sanctions against persons engaging in activities related to human rights abuses in Iran and Syria. This is an overview of key provisions of the new legislation most likely to impact businesses:
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has, through a recent marine notice, updated the reporting requirements that currently exist as adopted through the MARPOL convention.
The EU Council has now agreed a Regulation to implement enhanced sanctions against Iran, including a ban on transport of Iranian crude, petroleum products and petro-chemical products, as was expected in the light of the EU Decision of 23 January. There is now an exception to the insurance ban, for third party and environmental insurance, although only up until 1 July for crude oil and petroleum products and only until 1 May for petro-chemical products. It is not clear whether the position will be reviewed again before those dates.
On 23rd January the EU Council published a Decision which prohibits the import, purchase or transport of crude oil, as well as petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran. It also prohibits the provision of insurance relating to their transport.
Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 provides a comprehensive regulation overview of the various goods, services and activities in respect of Syria which are currently subject to sanctions. Issued on 18 January 2012, a PDF of the regulation is attached here. An outline of the key items and activities where compliance with EU sanctions is required is set out in the section "Update on sanctioned goods, services and activities as at 18th January 2012" below.
