Standard Bulletin, December 2015

Each of the next seven editions of the Standard Bulletin will centre on one key P&I risk. This first edition will highlight cargo issues.

A cautionary tale of flat racks In a case where cargo damage occurs due to insufficient lashing of flat racks, which party should be held responsible? This article looks at the considerations.	Protecting time under the ICA The Inter-Club New York Produce Exchange Agreement (ICA) regime, if expressly incorporated into a time charterparty on NYPE or Asbatime forms, is a means of apportioning liability for cargo claims. It allows parties to resolve liability for cargo claims between owners and charterers quickly and at minimal cost. However, this is only the case if the party initially liable for the cargo claim notifies the other party ‘in time’.
The BIMCO Cargo Fumigation Clause Most charterparties do not specifically address the risks and costs arising from cargo fumigation operations. It is unsurprising, therefore, that from time to time, following cargo fumigation, the charterer and owner are forced to confront the issue as to which is responsible for the time, cost and other liabilities that arise. A new BIMCO clause has thankfully clarified the issue.	‘Paper’ shortages: causes and preventive measures The occurrence of in-transit cargo losses is not uncommon. In the case of cargo shipped in bulk, the cargo shortage could be either ‘real/actual’ or what is widely referred to in the trade as a ‘paper’ shortage. This article looks at ways to minimise the latter.
Illegal immigrants and European Food Law – new challenges for the carrier The recent increase in illegal immigration via sea voyage across the Mediterranean and multimodal carriage through Europe is having a wide impact. This article looks specifically at the impact of the spike in illegal immigration on food carriers and their particular issues.	The Standard Club debate at London International Shipping Week reveals that the winds of change are blowing As sponsors of London International Shipping Week, The Standard Club hosted a complimentary breakfast debate ‘London – the global shipping service centre in 2050?’ on 9 September 2015.
Spotlight Our spotlight feature introduces Kate Butlin, Hull Underwriter from The Standard Syndicate.