Articles

Over the course of the last several years, Gard has experienced an alarming increase in large claims arising from damage to soya beans shipped in bulk from Brazil to China.  Shipowners and their Clubs have faced detentions and high demands for security resulting in Letters of Undertakings being issued in the millions of dollars. In these cases, the damage is most often caused by microbiological instability and resulting self-heating of the cargo.  In our first video of a three-part series, we speak with cargo scientist, Dr. Tim Moss of Brookes Bell who explains the causes and effects of microbiological instability.

Recurring enclosed space incidents serve as a stark reminder that entry into such spaces without following proper procedures can result in seafarers being killed or seriously injured, warns a major flag state.

On 19 February 2021 the United Kingdom Supreme Court handed down its decision in the first collision case to reach the UK’s highest court in nearly 50 years, in the The “EVER SMART” and The “ALEXANDRA 1” [2021] UKSC 6.  Faz Peermohamed of Stann Law gives his reflections on the case.

In September 2020, the state legislature in California enacted a statutory amendment to its marine oil pollution law (AB 3214), which greatly enhanced the monetary penalties that can be imposed after such incidents. The law came into effect in January 2021. 

Masters and crews operating along the US/Canadian East Coast must maintain a good lookout for right whales and follow the speed restrictions in force at any given time.

During the pandemic, our Members have faced many challenges, and we see claims that are somewhat different than those we have seen before. It is not always easy for our Members to differentiate between operational expenses and recoverable insured costs, so we summarize here the key elements of cover and guidance on the best practices for preparing claims documentation.