Standard Bulletin, September 2013

Standard Club Hull facility 

Launched in April this year, the Standard club Hull facility has already attracted orders from members and has provided a number of competitive quotes. 

Singapore bunkering update
Singapore remains one of the largest bunker fuel markets globally. This article mentions some of the claims risks for bunker buyers. 

MARPOL fines in the US
Club cover for fines arising from breaches of MARPOL is discretionary. This article reminds members of the illegal practices that result in MARPOL investigations and prosecutions, case studies of fines and other penalties imposed, and current best practice to comply with the regulations.

A closer look at ship arrests in South Africa
South Africa continues to be a popular jurisdiction for maritime creditors to obtain security for claims. This article serves to highlight its liberal nature and the possibilities open to creditors in the current distressed market. 

Ship arrests in the Netherlands
In practice, it is fairly easy to arrest a ship in the Netherlands and to obtain security. However, when filing the arrest petition, there are other issues to consider. 

Social media – good, bad or ugly?
In this age of 24-hour media and social media, it is important that all on-board crew members and shoreside staff know how to handle social and mainstream media 

Piracy
Piracy off the coast of Somalia (including the Gulf of Aden) is at its lowest level for six years, which suggests that the countermeasures applied to counter piracy off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden have successfully reduced the number of attacks, in comparison to West Africa, where efforts to prevent piracy do not appear to have been as successful. 

Forum shopping: collision course
Following a collision, one of the many siginificant decisions to take is securing the right jurisdiction. Forum shopping exists because each country has its own rules and this article emphasises the importance of making the right choice to limit financial exposure and/or maximise recovery. 

MLC
The MLC 2006 came into force on 20 August 2013 and the club has extended cover to help memebrs comply witht heir new obligations.

2013 member and broker survey
We make it a priority to understand our members’ requirements and views on our performance. The results from the survey are analysed in this article.