News and Commentary

15 Nov 2017

Web Alert: Outbreak of Pneumonic Plague

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and International Transport Workers Federation have highlighted a recent outbreak of Pneumonic Plague (also referred to as Madagascar Plague) on the island of Madagascar.

9 Nov 2017

Web Alert: Cape Town Port suspends sale and supply of fresh water to ships

The South African port of Cape Town has recently suspended the sale and supply of fresh water to ships calling at the port, with exceptions considered only in extreme cases.

9 Nov 2017

Web Alert: Challenges of calling at Chittagong port, Bangladesh

Members calling at Chittagong port in Bangladesh continue to face a number of challenges when lying at the anchorage areas and also when coming into berth at the port.

8 Nov 2017

Web Alert: The importance of a good safety culture

This last bulletin for the year covers safety lessons learned from an attempted armed robbery, more issues relating to pilot boarding and a reminder of a good approach to analysing safety reports.

8 Nov 2017

Web Alert: Update on the Yemen. All ports closed since Monday

The Saudi coalition in The Yemen has closed all sea ports in the region.

7 Nov 2017

Web Alert: UK MAIB Safety Digest 2/2017

This digest contains details of incidents which the MAIB has investigated and provides valuable insight into the accidents that can occur onboard merchant vessels.

6 Nov 2017

Web Alert: ClassNK release latest version of Good Maintenance Onboard Ships

Originally published in June 1994, the document serves as a comprehensive checklist to be used by shipowners, crew and other key personnel to ensure that vessels are safe, well-maintained and comply with regulations.

31 Oct 2017

Web Alert: Filipino Disputable Presumption of Work-Related Illness clause requires proof

The Philippines Supreme Court has held that Filipino seafarers must prove that an illness is work-related to claim under the POEA Contract, even though the illness is disputably presumed to be work-related.

31 Oct 2017

Web Alert: Legislation implementing Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks introduced in Canadian Parliament

The Act ​would prohibit vessel abandonment and impose increased owner responsibility and liability for hazardous vessels and wrecks, which would include the costs of clean-up and wreck removal.

27 Oct 2017

Web Alert: Revised clearance process of crew and passengers at Singapore ports

With effect from 1 November 2017 the ICA requires that all passengers and seafaring crew disembarking/embarking commercial vessels berthing at PSA and Jurong Ports' terminals/wharves report to one of the four designated ICA crew offices and undergo security checks on their passports and luggage.

24 Oct 2017

24 October 2017, Standard Club Circular - Financial position, open policy years and renewal 2018

Please read attached circular

24 Oct 2017

Web Alert: Province of Zambales update

There is an ongoing challenge to the imposition of a passage fee on passing ships off the western Philippines coast.

19 Oct 2017

Web Alert: P&I cover for cyber risks arising out of the use of electronic trading systems

Electronic trading systems are, by their nature, susceptible to the risk of cyber attack. What would the P&I cover position be should a claim arise under those circumstances?

19 Oct 2017

Web Alert: Maersk and partners to implement blockchain-based marine insurance platform

This may represent a watershed moment within the marine insurance industry, and the insurance industry as a whole.

18 Oct 2017

Web Alert: The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) publishes its third quarter report on piracy and armed robbery for 2017

Whilst piracy rates were down compared to the same period in 2016, the report highlights continuing concern over attacks in the Gulf of Guinea and in Southeast Asia.

17 Oct 2017

Web Alert: Hong Kong Government proposes to implement latest IMO limits under the 1996 Protocol

The new limits are proposed to come into operation on 4 December 2017.

16 Oct 2017

Web Alert: Polar Code amendments to STCW

The new STCW amendments will take effect on 1 July 2018 (not 1 January 2018 as previously announced).

16 Oct 2017

Offshore Bulletin, October 2017

This guide is intended to be used as a single point of reference to aid members to fully understand the terms and issues raised in our contract reviews.

13 Oct 2017

Web Alert: Philippines Nickel Ore - 14 mining firms still operating despite suspension order

Members with ships fixed to load mineral ore cargo from the Philippines are recommended to liaise closely with the club’s local correspondent and clarify the export ban with the relevant government agency prior to confirming the voyage.

13 Oct 2017

Web Alert: Guidelines for the carriage of charcoal and carbon in containers

There have been a number of reported fires in recent years involving the carriage of these cargoes in containers. For this reason, the Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) and the International Group of P&I Clubs have jointly published guidelines on the carriage of charcoal and carbon in containers.