We understand there is over-production of grain in Argentina at the present time. This year's harvest is estimated at 60m tons, whereas there is only storage and drying facilities for 50m tons. We are informed that producers are being advised to store crops rather than sell at low prices.
44 - 04/98 - Container Shortages/Fines
31/03/1998
We have heard from our Syrian correspondent that clausing a B/L 'Shipper's Load and Count' and/or ' Said to contain' is insufficent when defending claims and customs fines for shortages where containers are delivered with seals intact. It would appear both the lower courts and the Court of Cassation in Syria find the clauses insufficient proof that the shipowner has not had the opportunity to check the cargo.
Over the last few months an increasing number of vessels calling at Abidjan and San Pedro have been subjected to heavy fines imposed by the Customs authorities. This extra vigilance by the authorities appears to be the result of a renewed government incentive and fines have started to be inflicted when Masters have failed to make declarations of bonded stores, paints, oils and in some cases bunkers and navigation equipment such as binoculars. In addition, fines are imposed when crew members are caught selling or bartering personal effects or ship's stores with local people. There appears to be a network of informers who quickly pass on news to the Customs of any smuggling seen taking place. Crew are then caught red-handed, often by very senior Customs officials, thus making it difficult to negotiate a reasonable settlement.
We have been advised by one of our members that the Brazilian authorities in Sao Paulo and Santos have started enforcing laws requiring seafarers to have proper travel documentation.
Due to an outbreak of HANTAVIRUS in Chile the local authorities in Peru are taking preventative measures with ships that have previously called in Chile.
We have been advised that the state water police in Bremerhaven are checking ship's oil record books regarding handling of waste oil products, and that they appear to be particularly concentrating on engine sludge.
Source of information: Shipsmaster through Ship Inspector (see K.S.Lumbers)
We understand from an owner loading cargoes of rubber bales out of Liberia that they are presently finding many bales contaminated with insect larvae. Reportedly these are being found in between the individual sheets. Whilst not causing claims upon the cargo they have left several ships with serious infestation problems.
11 - 08/97 - Drugs - Expiry Dates - Brazil
31/07/1997
Further to Bulletin 9. We are also seeing in this area the expiry dates of drugs carried on board (in the hospital) being checked closely. If these are found to be out of date fines are made against the ship. This is happening on a regular basis with ships arriving from the West Africa Coast being targetted the most.
The port of Novorossiisk consists of three docks: the East Dock, Central Dock and West Dock. All steel being shipped out from these berths is stored in the open and is not protected from the elements. When the port encounters gales from the seaward side of the port these berths are exposed to salt water spray.
8 - 07/97 - Scrap Metal out of Finland
30/06/1997
We have been reminded of problems arising on cargoes of scrap/steel turnings being shipped out of the ports of Kotka and Naantali in Finland.
Please note that due to an outbreak of dengui -- a disease transmitted by the mosquito Aedes Aegypti, likewise yellow fever -- the Ministry of Health has ordered the Port Health Authorities in Brazil, particularly those based in Santos, Salvador and Recife, to tighten the checking of vaccination certificates.
6 - 06/97 - Deballasting Problems - Ukraine
31/05/1997
Some dubious practices have been brought to our attention in the ports of Odessa, Ilyichevsk and Yuzhny. All ships visiting these ports mainly those loading and with water ballast on board are being inspected on arrival by the SIPBS (State Inspection for Protection of the Black Sea).
7 - 07/97 - Steel Shipments - Murmansk
31/05/1997
We have been advised by surveyors regularly monitoring steel shipments out of the Port of Murmansk of the following problems.
We have been advised by one of the Club's Members that they have recently had problems with excessive moisture content in cargoes of grain out of Argentina (Rosario). These cargoes have been found mouldy at destination. We would advise owners pay particular attention to moisture content when loading this type of cargo at the moment in Argentina, and, any with recent wet damage claims should investigate further the origin of the water.
We have been made aware that a large amount of steel being exported out of Vostochny is being trained in from steel mills some 3000km inland. We understand this steel, some of which is cold rolled, is being transported in open wagons with no protection from the elements. Pre loading steels surveys are therefore strongly recommended here.
1 - 04/97 - Sugar Claims ex Santos (Brazil)
31/03/1997
We have been made aware of problems arising on shipments of sugar out of Santos, Brazil. We understand there is a shortfall of sugar for this years season out of Brazil, which is coming to an end. The suppliers are reportedly supplying below standard sugar to fulfil contracts and are also providing sugar which has not been correctly processed.