Web Alert: Ongoing problems with Ukrainian 'Ecological Inspectors'

The Loss Prevention department would like to remind members about the ongoing problems relating to false ecological inspections in Ukrainian Ports. One of the club’s correspondents has reported that they have seen an increase in the quantity of such incidents affecting foreign vessels. They also state that those passing themselves off as ecological inspectors are acting in a more impudent and unscrupulous way in the commission of these offenses. The correspondent has on occasions received up to 3 requests per day relating to this issue.

The correspondent suggests that it is advisable for owners to try to include a separate clause in their charterparty regarding calls to Ukrainian ports requiring that all the costs and expenses related to the payment of fines imposed by the ecological inspectors are to be borne by the charterers. In view of the heavy fines, amounting to $15,000–60,000 on average, levied by the ecological inspections on ships, such a clause or provision in the charter party could potentially save owners from unnecessary financial losses.