The Group clubs have terminated their retainer agreements with MSRC and NRC. Non-tank vessel operators should contract directly with MSRC or NRC in future. Both MSRC and NRC provide spill response contracts that conform with Group guidelines. MSRC have withdrawn their dispersant addendum to spill response contracts making purchase of extended cover unnecessary. NRC offer a fee-paying option to opt out of their addendum and avoid exposure to additional liabilities.
OUTLINE: This circular concerns ships trading to Washington State waters. All ships over 300 gross tons, and all tank ships, are required to file a Washington State oil spill contingency plan before entering Washington State waters. Washington State Maritime Co-operative's (WSMC) 'umbrella' contingency plan still does not comply with International Group guidelines. National Response Corporation's (NRC) 'umbrella' plan has now been approved by Washington State with effect from 1st November 2013. The NRC contingency plan is compliant with the International Group guidelines. The further Washington State requirement for enrolment for Emergency Response Towing Vessel (ERTV) services is still in place. All clubs in the International Group have issued similar circulars
Svitzer documents for use in Vessel Response Plan arrangements. These documents should be read in conjunction with the earlier Club Circular 14/13 US Vessel Response Plans - Salvage & Marine Firefighting (SMFF) Requirements Final Rule - 30 September 2013. Deadline for implementation - 30 January 2014
T&T Salvage documents for use in Vessel Response Plan arrangements. These documents should be read in conjunction with the earlier Club Circular 14/13 US Vessel Response Plans - Salvage & Marine Firefighting (SMFF) Requirements Final Rule - 30 September 2013. Deadline for implementation - 30 January 2014
Owners of non-tank vessels calling at US ports will be required to submit their Vessel Response Plan (VRP) by 30th January 2014. This new requirement is being reviewed by the International Group and a more detailed circular will be issued in due course.
New round of Vessel General Permit (VGP) to be enacted on the 19th December 2013.
Resolve Salvage & Fire documents for use in Vessel Response Plan arrangements. These documents should be read in conjunction with the earlier Club Circular 14/13 US Vessel Response Plans - Salvage & Marine Firefighting (SMFF) Requirements Final Rule - 30 September 2013. Deadline for implementation - 30 January 2014
This Circular amends Circular ref. 1/12 regarding application of 50 per cent rebate of the US tanker voyage additional premium. The 50 per cent reduction on premium rates for voyages involving loading or lightering of persistent oil cargo in the US will not be restricted to LOOP and the four designated areas described in Circular ref 1/12. The reduction will continue to be applied to other lightering areas approved by the US Coast Guard on the same basis as prior to Circular 1/12
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.
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.
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.
Recommendations for ship operators regarding potential additional screening by US Coast Guard for vessels that have passed through waters near Honshu island.
The additional premium system for tankers carrying persistent oil to or from the United States will continue for the 2011 policy year. Rates have been reduced by 12.5 per cent.
Annexe to Circular 28/10: Charterparty Clause - Financial Security in respect of Pollution
28/01/2011
Recommended pollution charterparty clauses were circulated to Members in 1990 in response to prospective oil pollution legislation in the United States of America and amended and consolidated in 1996 and 2008.
Annexe to Circular 28/10: Charterparty Clause - Financial Security in respect of Pollution
28/01/2011
Recommended pollution charterparty clauses were circulated to Members in 1990 in response to prospective oil pollution legislation in the United States of America and amended and consolidated in 1996 and 2008.
US Coast Guard published its circular NVIC No 2-10 providing guidance on implementation and enforcement of VRP Final Rule requirements. A correction and further update to Annex 4 of Club Circular 12/10 is provided below. An amendment has been made to the previously circulated Donjon Smit contract. This circular refers to Club Circular 12/10 and a similar circular is to be issued by all Group clubs.
This paper emphasises that differences between vessels and offshore facilities under OPA are necessary and that unlimited or unreasonable liability requirements for vessels under OPA should be opposed.