On 11 September 2020, the IMO posted a Joint Statement by the United Nations Specialized Agencies calling on all Governments to immediately recognise seafarers as key workers and to take swift and effective action to eliminate obstacles to crew changes
Members are often asked to accept letters of indemnity (LOIs) from their shippers or charterers in return for the delivery of cargo without presentation of original bills of lading, the delivery of cargo at a port other than that named in the bill of lading (or both) and in various other circumstances
The California Air Resources Board approved a new regulation designed to further reduce pollution from ocean-going vessels while docked at California’s busiest ports.
On 17 May 2019, IMO's MEPC 74 adopted the resolutions below to allow for ERBs to be used. Guidelines to support the use of ERBs were also adopted by the Committee. These amendments, which will reduce the heavy burden associated with paperwork and which are thus to be welcomed, will enter into force on 1 October 2020;
On 5 August, 2020, the Supreme Court of India handed down its judgement in the case of The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Cochin Port Trust v M/S Arebee Star Maritime Agencies Pvt. Ltd. & Ors.
The Club would like to draw Members’ attention to the latest Circular No. 2010 (Updated): Prohibited Areas for Military Exercise in Bohai, Yellow Sea, East Sea and South Sea of China from Late August to the End of September, 2020
Due to a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in China linked to vessels arriving at Chinese ports following crew changes, the local Customs Authority has introduced enhanced procedures for testing crew members for Covid-19 when vessels call at Chinese ports
Philippine Supreme Court decides that a seafarer’s heirs are entitled to death benefits for work related illness even if death occurs after the term of his employment contract.
The English Commercial Court has ruled in favour of the defendant charterers in a demurrage dispute that examined the choice of route and care for cargo.
These Guiding Opinions will be of assistance to all Members trading to or from China, or who are currently involved in litigation proceedings in China.
In Part I of this article, the authors introduced the three new eBL providers whose blockchain based systems were recently approved by the International Group (IG), and provided an overview on how their systems work. Here in Part II, we take a look at the recent products and initiatives of Bolero and essDOCS, two of the first generation eBL providers. We also take a look at cyber risks again and at whether the paper BL, as a tool, is still fit for purpose in today’s international trade.
Further to the UK Club’s recent Legal Update on Electronic Bills of Lading (Part I & Part II), the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers are provided for Members’ additional guidance
