As part of the continuing response to developments in pirate activity in the Indian Ocean, the International Group of P&I Clubs has revised the ‘frequently asked questions’ (FAQs) in respect of piracy and a copy of the latest FAQs is attached for Members' easy reference.
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.
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13 October 2011
3 October 2011
The Correspondent in the Philippines, Pandiman Philipinnes Inc, has warned the Association that “rebel forces of the New Peoples Army (NPA) have attacked nickel ore mines in the Surigao region. The attacks are currently ongoing at Taganito Mining Corp and PGMC, the rebels destroying and burning mining equipment and offices. We understand hostages have been taken. We have three vessels currently attended by surveyors in the vicinity and they cannot leave the vessel due to the violence ashore.
9 September 2011
The Turkish Regulation on the Requirement to Obtain Insurance Coverage for Vessels against Maritime Claims and Supervision Thereof (the “Insurance Regulation” – see attached for translation of the full text of the Insurance Regulation which has been provided the Istanbul Correspondent, Vitsan A.S.) entered into force in Turkey on 1 July 2011.
8 September 2011
As Members may be aware the Best Management Practices document (to reduce the risk of Somalia based pirates) has been updated. The current version, BMP4, can be accessed by clicking here. BMP4 continues to receive wide support from the shipping industry and Members are recommended to maintain familiarity with and effectively implement its provisions (even when armed guards are retained).
6 September 2011
Members should be aware that with effect from 3 September 2011, the EU has introduced new sanctions against Syria, by which the carriage of crude oil or petroleum products from or originating from Syria is prohibited. A copy of the relevant Regulation (Council Regulation (EU) no 442/2011) can be found by clicking here.
19 August 2011
Members will be aware that, due to the continuing pirate attacks on merchant ships traversing the Gulf of Aden area and the widening geographical range of attacks despite the presence of a number of international navies, the Additional Premium Area for War Risks in the Indian Ocean (“the AP Area”) has been extended to up to 12 miles offshore from the Indian Coast.
17 August 2011
Further to the various Circulars and Alerts issued by the London Club in respect of cargoes that are prone to liquefy, the International Group of P&I Clubs (“IG”) has produced a standard charterparty clause that seeks to provide Owners with added contractual protection when carrying such cargoes.
8 July 2011
It is recommended that this alert is read in conjunction with the Circulars issued by the Association on 13 December 2010 (India - Safe shipment of Iron Ore Fines from Indian Ports, No 5:421) and 31 January 2011 (Indonesia and the Philippines - Safe Carriage of Nickel Ore Cargoes, No 5:428). This concerns the shipping of a type of iron ore described as “sinter feed”.
1 July 2011
On 17 June 2011, the London P& I Club reported an increase in pirate activity in the waters off Benin. Since then the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (click here for a link to their website) has received reports of a further three incidents involving tankers off Cotonou. In one case, a vessel was captured, in the other two the focus was theft of personal effects and valuables. In each case the vessels were boarded during darkness and whilst undertaking or preparing for STS operations.
30 June 2011
As the reach of pirates operating out of Somalia has spread well beyond the Gulf of Aden and military resources have as a consequence become ever more stretched, the deployment of private guards on ships transiting high risk waters has become more prevalent. The use of armed private guards is also becoming more common, which in turn is attracting an increasing number of providers of such services.