We have been advised that from the 1st September 2003 all ships sailing under the Argentinian flag, or any vessel which has loaded cargo in Argentina for discharge in Iran, will be forbidden entry into all Iranian ports.
Further to LP Bulletin 313 which advised that the Mumbai Port Trust intended to require all ships to submit a valid certificate of P&I cover prior to being granted access into Mumbai port, we have now been informed that following a meeting between the MPT and the correspondents of the P&I Clubs on the 29th July 2003, the Port Circular dated 8th July 2003 containing this order has been withdrawn with immediate effect.
We have been advised that the Chinese authorities may shortly start taking action to protect their home soya bean market.
Circular 9/03: Passenger Cover
01/07/2003
We have been advised by one of our Members of a recent case in which a ship, whilst transiting the River Schelde, was inspected and found to fail the sulphur content limit required by the EC Air Pollution Act Directive 199/32.
We have been advised that from the 31st July 2003 all applications to enter Mumbai port must be accompanied by a valid certificate of P&I cover.
This edition of the Maritime Review contains a broad selection of pieces. The first is a detailed article on maintenance obligations under bareboat charterparties, of interest to both the offshore and the shipping industry. There is a further update on the progress of Basel II, a note on recent developments in mediation, and a note on changes to the UK tonnage tax regime.
As of 1st July 2003 all ships constructed before 1st July 1998 must comply with regulation II-2/15.2.11 of SOLAS.
302 - 05/03 - Incorrect declaration of medicines in ship's first aid kits - Novorossiysk - Russia
30/04/2003
We have been advised recently that the Novorossiysk Customs have been initiating cases against shipowners for administrative violations for false declaration of medicines that contain narcotic, psychotropic or poisonous components, contained in the ship's first aid kit. Criminal cases have also been brought against ships' masters on the basis that they have signed the general customs declarations.
303 - 05/03 - Restrictions in discharge of water used to wash holds - Mississippi and Calcasieu Rivers - USA
We have been advised that from the 22nd July 2003 tough new rules to target high risk ships will be introduced by the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Port State Control Members.
We would like to advise Members that as from 1st January 2004, the IMDG Code will become mandatory under international law as IMDG Code Amendment 31. At present the Code is advisory and only law if adopted as such by individual countries. Under this new mandatory measure, there are exceptions for certain sections that will remain recommendatory, with the amendment of SOLAS Chapter VII.
Circular 6/03: War Risks P&I Cover
01/04/2003
A number of Members have raised questions about the potential impact of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) on shipowners' liabilities, and about appropriate loss prevention measures.
We would like to advise Members that there has recently been an increase in the number of claims raised by Alexandria Port Authority, in particular El Dekeila port, for damage to fenders and quays. This increase has not only affected the number of claims, but also to the value. Alexandria Port Authority (APA) insists on immediate payment for its claims prior to departure of the vessel concerned.