The West of England P&I Club has highlighted the mandatory notification requirements surrounding the perils of carrying nickel ore cargo from both Indonesia and the Philippines, ensuring that the necessary related safety measures are in place to comply with the IMSBC Code requirements. The Club explains the implications and advises all operators to take the necessary measures to mitigate these risks where possible. The Club says this may necessitate the appointment of a local surveyor to assist the Master.
“In accordance with the Club’s bye-laws, Members are required to notify the Managers before agreeing to carry a nickel ore cargo to ensure that they are fully acquainted with the risks beforehand and so that any concerns regarding the contractual terms of carriage may be addressed. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Managers, Members are also required to appoint a surveyor at the load port to provide assistance to the Master. Failure to fulfil these requirements may prejudice cover.” The Club says in a statement.
In particular, the Club advises operators who plan to fix or charter a ship to load nickel ore cargo from ports in Indonesia and the Philippines, or where under an existing fixture a ship is ordered to load such cargo, that they are obliged to contact the Managers at the earliest opportunity and, where possible, provide the following information:
Ship name
Port/anchorage of loading and estimated time of arrival
Date of intended loading
Charterer/shipper’s details
Agent’s details
Copy of the shipper’s cargo declaration and supporting certificates
This will enable the Managers to provide operators with relevant information on measures that might be taken to reduce the risk as set out in the summary below (see pdf), such as the appointment of a local surveyor to assist the Master, the testing of nickel ore cargo samples by a reliable independent laboratory and the appointment of an expert, not necessarily to attend in person, but to liaise and supervise the local surveyor throughout.
These measures may reduce the potential risks of the nickel ore cargo but are not a certain guarantee of safety.
Read the briefing more about carrying nickel ore cargo: IG-Clubs-Safe-carriage-of-nickel-ore-2017
