Topics

Iran: US issues new sanctions against four sectors of the Iranian economy

On 10 January 2020 the US President issued a new Executive Order.

Electronic (Paperless) Trading: Electronic Shipping Solutions, Bolero International Ltd, E-Title Authority Pte Ltd, Global Share S.A. (edoxOnline platform) and WAVE (The WAVE Network)

Circular issued by International Group clubs

Turkey: Pollution fines and criminal proceedings 2020

Advice on new rates applicable from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020, including practical information.

INSIGHT: Russia Sanctions

General information about Russia sanctions is provided in this section of the website.

INSIGHT: Bunker Convention 2001

General information about the Bunker Convention 2001 is provided in this section of the website.

INSIGHT: Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (Wreck Removal Convention) 2007

General information about the Wreck Removal Convention is provided in this section of the website.

Ratifications of MLC convention

Hull fouling clauses and prolonged stays

Time charterers often face disputes against Owners concerning the consequences arising out of hull fouling. This article addresses the various hull fouling clauses from the time charterers’ perspective.

Onboard safety precaution on tank cleaning - "The Final Stretch" for IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap

Skuld would like to advice on the risk to the crew onboard who will be cleaning the tanks if the vessel will use compliant fuel.

UAE: Port of Fujairah - High Acid Number and possible contamination of fuel

A number of fuel oil samples from deliveries in Fujairah have been found to have an elevated Total Acid Number (TAN).

Enforceability of LOIs - a practical guide

Any party accepting a Letter of Indemnity (LOI) should be aware of the risks involved in order to make a fully informed decision.

INSIGHT: HNS Convention

General information about the HNS Convention is provided in this section of the website.

INSIGHT: Syria Sanctions

General information about Syria sanctions is provided in this section of the website.

Managing alien stowaways

A brief guide to US Ballast Water Regulations, the Vessel General Permit and the 2018 Commercial Vessel Incidental Discharge Act.

Sampling of liquid cargoes

Quality problems with liquid cargoes have been an issue since the dawn of this trade, and even with modern techniques these quality issues are likely to continue.

A guide to US crew claims

The Field October 2019.

Sulphur 2020: Fuel specification guidelines

Skuld would like to inform its members that ISO has released new fuel specification guidelines for very low sulphur marine fuel oil.

New Zealand and Australia: Stink bug warning 2019-2020

Members with vessels trading to Australia and New Zealand should ensure that the crew onboard are aware and familiar with the BMSB seasonal management measures.

War risks - Charterers' perspective

Skuld Charterer September 2019.

US sanctions on the Government of Venezuela and Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA)

Circular issued by International Group clubs

INSIGHT: Venezuela Sanctions

General information about Venezuela sanctions is provided in this section of the website.

Latest news on Iran sanctions

The United States administration continues to escalate sanctions targeting non-US persons involved in the shipping industry.

INSIGHT: Cuba Sanctions

General information about Cuba sanctions is provided in this section of the website.

Nickel ore liquefaction alert

Members and masters are advised to take extreme caution when loading nickel ore in the region of Indonesia and the Philippines.

Guidance on the United States Sanctions Compliance Programmes published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control

Circular issued by International Group clubs

Venezuela Sanctions – increased scope

On 5 August 2019 the US administration significantly increased scope of sanctions against the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

Force Majeure - Court of Appeal clarification

Charterers cannot rely on a force majeure clause if they would have failed to provide the cargo in any event. The Court of Appeal reverses decision on damages but upholds reasoning on liability.

Tokyo and Paris MoU: Concentrated Inspection Campaign

A joint concentrated inspection campaign on emergency systems and procedures has been launched by Tokyo MOU and Paris MOU and will commence on 1 September 2019.

MARPOL annex VI - Sulphur Cap 2020 - Tank cleaning guidance

Fuel oil tanks should be cleaned on regular basis to remove build-up of sediments and sludge.

Strait of Hormuz - security guidance

Following the events on Friday 19 July in the Straits of Hormuz, BIMCO, the ICS, Intertanko and the OCIMF have drafted the following reporting guidance.

New US procedure for reporting non-availability of compliant fuel and the issuance of FONARs - MARPOL Annex VI - Sulphur Cap 2020

On 28 June 2019, the USCG published a new procedure for notification of non-availability of compliant fuel.

US Supreme Court ruling on punitive damages

The US Supreme Court ruling on 24 June 2019 in The Dutra Group v. Batterton will have an important impact on the damages which may be recoverable in US personal injury claims.

The 2020 Global Sulphur Cap

Circular issued by International Group clubs

Switch bills of lading

Some practical guidelines on how owners can minimise the risks connected with switching bills.

Anti-technicality notices: a charterers’ perspective

Skuld Charterer June 2019.

Ukraine: Revising ballast water regulations

The control of segregated ballast water in Ukrainian ports has been temporarily cancelled and ecological inspectors are for the time being not permitted to inspect vessels for the purpose of ecological control.

Electronic (Paperless) Trading

Circular issued by International Group clubs

Ultrasonic testing and leaking hatch covers

Cargo damage due to water ingress through leaking hatch covers remain an important part of cargo claims.

Iran and Syria: AIS and sanctions

INSIGHT: North Korea Sanctions

General information about North Korea sanctions is provided in this section of the website.

Asian gypsy moth: Brief summary of the inspection procedures

The Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) is an exotic and highly destructive forest pest which is native to Far East countries such as Japan, Russia, China and Korea.

South Africa: Fishing and fresh fish products onboard

No fishing is permitted in South African waters without a permit and vessels must disclose whether they have fresh fish products on board.

Good anchoring practice

Good bridge management in anchoring operations is the key to achieving safe anchoring and avoiding accidents. Ship companies should set up procedures for these critical tasks and incorporate them into the safety management system.

Owners’ remedies - contractual rights vs reality

The chartering of ships comes with risks that the business counterparts do not honour their obligations to pay.

MARPOL ANNEX VI - Sulphur Cap 2020 - Demystifying the FONAR

Fuel Oil Non-Availability Report (FONAR) is primarily a discretionary tool for a Member State to lessen the breach of MARPOL Annex VI.

Bunker suppliers upset balanced BIMCO bunker terms

Sometimes the standard terms and conditions of the relevant bunker supplier can be slanted in favour of the bunker supplier.

Sanctions against Iran

The one year anniversary of the withdrawal of the US from the JCPOA on 8 May has been marked by a further significant escalation of US Sanctions against Iran.

Wood pellets and risk of fire

Hazards and ensuring safe carriage.

Skuld PEME programme

Skuld Pre Employment Medical Examination Programme (PEME)