Two vessels entered in the Club have been heavily fined as a result of incorrect defect reporting procedures
LP NEWS - Algeria - port of Bejaia paralyzed
01/12/2011
On the 21st November 2011, the Australian government passed a bill extend penalty provisions for pollution incidents in their waters. As well as expanding existing offence and civil penalty provisions in the Navigation Act 1912 (Navigation Act) and the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 (PPS Act).
Australia toughens pollution laws
01/12/2011
Last week the Australian government passed a bill extending penalty provisions for pollution incidents in their waters. As well as expanding existing offence and civil penalty provisions in the Navigation Act 1912 (Navigation Act) and the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 (PPS Act). The amendments include new provisions that are expected to take effect from the 18th December 2011.
The publication of the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report on Iran has prompted a fresh round of sanctions against Iran. The White House and U.S. Treasury took a series of actions yesterday to increase pressure on Iran. The biggest impact for the shipping industry would seem to be the new petroleum sector sanctions under Executive Order 13590, which are aimed at non-U.S. persons that provide support to Iran's energy sector. This briefing note also includes information on the UK's Financial Restrictions (Iran) Order 2011.
HM Treasury has imposed new financial restrictions against Iran. From 15:00 Monday 21 November 2011, all UK credit and financial institutions are required to cease business relationships and transactions with all Iranian banks, including their branches and subsidiaries, and the Central Bank of Iran. This means that UK credit and financial institutions are prohibited from entering into transactions or business relationships with these entities and continuing existing transactions and business relationships with them, unless licensed to do so by HM Treasury.
A recent meeting of Port officials in Owendo, Gabon finalised details of precautions to be taken in an attempt to counter potential port congestion in Gabon resulting from the expected increase of maritime traffic due to the preparations of the soon to be hosted Africa Cup of Nations.
Highlights Issue 22: November 2011
17/11/2011
Delay in China OSRO listing
10/11/2011
The issue of lists of all approved oil spill response contractors in Chinese ports by China's MSA, and due for publication this October, has been postponed,
The UK Treasury has now confirmed that it considers that insurers/reinsurers in the EU are prohibited from providing cover in relation to shipments of crude oil or petroleum products, even where the transportation ban does not apply (because the ships and persons involved are unconnected with the EU).
The Bribery Act 2010
03/11/2011
The UK's Bribery Act 2010 (the "Act") came into force on 1 July 2011 and introduces a new set of criminal offences for bribery.
The Effect of Insolvency on a Charterparty
03/11/2011
The insolvency of a party, the commencement of insolvency-related proceedings or the appointment of liquidators or receivers will not on its own amount to a repudiation or a renunciation of a contract subject to English law (see for example Re Agra Bank (1867) LR 5 Eq 160).
Tanker Contamination Checklist
27/10/2011
In a recent decision in the Southern District of New York the court held that the rail carrier (BNSF) could not apply the ocean carriers' COGSA package limit of USD 500, with regard to an export shipment of goods that were damaged during inland rail transit before the goods arrived at the ship.
Flooding in Bangkok area affects shipping
25/10/2011
Due to the ongoing threat of flooding in Thailand, shipments to and from the kingdom have been affected. Bulk rice and container shipping have been particularly subject to interruption and delay. Members requiring further information should contact the Club's local correspondent - Spica Services Bangkok
The US Coast Guard issued a Port Security Advisory stating that it has determined that the Republic of Congo is now maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures in its ports.