Developments in international sanctions
08/09/2011
Both the EU and the United States have announced extension of their sanctions against the Syrian Arab Republic to prohibit the trade, transport or financing of crude oil or petroleum products. Under Rule 5V (Sanctions risks) the Club excludes cover where the provision of cover may expose the Club to a sanction or other adverse action from a competent government.
Sanctions Update: Libya & Syria
07/09/2011
The attached Shipping Alert 11-213 gives updated guidance on both EU and US sanctions in respect of Libya and Syria and is reproduced with the kind permission of Reed Smith.
EU Council Regulation - (EU) No 878/2011 entered into force on 2 September, with new measures to target the importation, financing, transport, insurance and reinsurance of crude oil or petroleum products originating from Syria. The Regulation takes the form of an amendment to an earlier regulation (442/2011) in which the scope of applicability is defined as shown below.
NEWS - Brazil CIC
02/09/2011
Increased liabilities under OSRO contracts
01/09/2011
Last week the Club published circular 10/11 in respect of the increased liabilities that Members may potentially incur under the amended contract terms of one of the US based oil spill response organisations (OSRO). We strongly recommend all Members who might be affected to refer to this circular and check their vessel response plan arrangements.
NEWS - New Maritime Taxes - Senegal
26/08/2011
Circular 09/11: Inter-Club New York Produce Exchange Agreement 1996 (as amended September 2011)
26/08/2011
The Inter-Club Agreement is a means of apportioning cargo liability claims between owners and charterers. The Agreement will shortly incorporate a provision creating entitlement to security on the basis of reciprocity rather than requiring a cargo claim to have been paid. This revision will enhance co-operation between contracting owners and charterers and reduce time and costs incurred in cargo claim disputes. The amended Agreement takes effect from 1st September 2011. The Club recommends its incorporation into all NYPE and Asbatime charterparties going forward
Circular 10/11: US Pollution - NRC and MSRC - MSRC Addendum Concerning Use of Dispersants
26/08/2011
Under new US Coast Guard requirements, tank vessel response plans must cite an oil spill response organisation (OSRO) with capability for applying dispersants by air. MSRC has amended its service agreement for tank vessels by addition of a 'dispersant addendum' which contains indemnities that do not conform to the International Group's US VRP guidelines. Details of additional market cover are available from the Managers. No such addendum has been introduced by NRC at this time. There is no similar requirement for non tank vessels and most VRPs for non tank vessels are therefore unlikely to refer to dispersant capability in their citation of MSRC, in which case no action is required. Members should, however, confirm this by directly checking their VRPs or consulting their plan writers.
MSRC's amendment to its service agreement includes a "dispersant addendum". This addendum introduced liabilities on the vessel owner which fell outside the scope of club cover.
An important revision to the 'Inter-Club Agreement' takes effect from the 1st September this year. Our Club, in common with the other Group clubs is issuing a circular to inform Members of this change.
The Inter-Club New York Produce Exchange Agreement, generally referred to as the Inter-Club Agreement (ICA), has provided a relatively simple mechanism for swiftly and fairly apportioning liability for cargo claims arising under New York Produce Exchange Form (NYPE) or Asbatime charter parties
New U.S. Sanctions against Syria
25/08/2011
On the 18th August 2011, the US Government issued an Executive Order that blocks property of the Syrian government, including all entities controlled by the Syrian government.
780 - 08/11 - New Customs Regulations - Iraq
19/08/2011
BMP 4
16/08/2011
Version 4 of the
LP Test
12/08/2011
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We are grateful to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA) for their permission in reproducing the following table of flag state rules in respect of private armed guards
Flag States & armed guards
11/08/2011
Saudi Aramco has introduced a new practice of sampling ballast water of hydrocarbon tankers that have had one of their last visits to Japan. This action is in line with Saudi Aramco...
The lists of all approved contractors will now be issued in October 2011.
777 - 08/11 - Visa Requirements - Nigeria
04/08/2011
Club Members are expressing concern over requirements for cadets, supernumeraries and supercargoes onboard to possess a valid visa when visiting Nigerian Ports...