Members will be aware of growing concern over the spread of the Zika virus, which is linked to an increase in neurological disorders and neonatal malformations. It was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 1 February 2016. The US Coast Guard have recently issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin reminding Vessels of the existing requirements under the CDC to report hazardous conditions and illnesses.
News Alerts
We issue News and other Alerts to keep members posted about developments at the Club and other industry news. Please see our latest Alerts below.
Those who wish to receive an Email Alert as soon as a new report is posted can register for this service by subscribing here
12 February 2016
8 February 2016
An outbreak of dengue fever – which causes a flu-like illness sometimes complicated by haemorrhages or shock - is currently reported in Paranaguá, Brazil. Members calling at Paranaguá and Antonina should note the information concerning the Dengue outbreak issued by local Health Authorities (ANVIS). Click here to access a copy of the English free translation kindly provided by the Correspondent in Paranaguá, van Herp & Frumento (P&I Services) Ltda.
25 January 2016
Members will already be aware of the lifting of certain sanctions against Iran following Implementation Day as outlined in the Club’s News Alert of 18 January 2016 (click here), which indicated that further advice was to follow. The Club has now issued a Circular in respect of the Lifting of Certain Sanctions under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as agreed by all the Clubs in the International Group. This provides further advice and a copy can be accessed by clicking here.
20 January 2016
Members considering fixtures and/or orders to load nickel ore should note that the Correspondent in the Philippines, Pandiman Philippines Inc, reports that there have been some problems arising out of a nickel ore cargo being offered for shipment from a port which is not near to a nickel ore mine. Members should be particularly vigilant when fixing to load and/or loading nickel ore cargo from such ports.
18 January 2016
Members will likely be aware of the lifting of certain US, EU and UN sanctions against Iran following verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on 16 January 2016 that Iran has implemented the agreed nuclear-related measures as set out in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The US Treasury has published guidance/FAQs in respect of the lifting of sanctions which we attach (click here).
13 January 2016
The Correspondent in Ukraine, Dias Marine Consulting, reports that the ice season has begun in the Azov Sea area and advises that when a vessel is planning to call at a Ukrainian port it will be “necessary to liaise with the agent and clarify more precise information about the weather conditions on the date of ETA”.
14 December 2015
Members proceeding to ports in China should note that the Ministry of Transport has issued a new Regulation that establishes three Emission Control Areas (ECA) and sets out limits on the sulphur content of fuel to be used by vessels at certain times during berthing and whilst in the ECA.
17 November 2015
Members will already be aware of various sanctions in place following the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in Spring 2014, as outlined in previous Club Circulars (click here) and News Alerts (click here).
5 November 2015
Members proceeding to the North East coast of China should note that there has recently been an increase in the numbers of cases involving vessels being fined by the local Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) for discharging garbage/sewage into Bohai Bay, China. The Correspondent, Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Limited, Tianjin, has issued a detailed Circular clarifying the regulations concerning discharges of waste into the ocean in Bohai Bay area.
4 November 2015
Following the loss of the bulk carrier “Bulk Jupiter” and 18 lives in January 2015, as reported in the Club’s News Alert dated 7 January 2015 (click here), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers has recently published a Circular on the carriage of bauxite that may liquefy. The IMO Circular notes that the potential for bauxite to liquefy is not specifically addressed in the IMSBC Code, as it is only classified as a Group C cargo.