In August 2017 we reported the following:
Member Alerts
Ships blocked from entering Hodeidah Port
1 August – The Saudi Arabia-led coalition and the Yemeni government last week blocked four oil tankers from entering the Hodeidah port, which is controlled by the Houthi rebels.
MARS Report August 2017
1 August – The Nautical Institute is an international representative body for maritime professionals and has over 7,000 members in 115 different countries.
The U.S Congress Passes Russia, Iran, and North Korea Sanctions Bill in Sweeping Move
2 August – The legislation aims to expand existing sanctions on Iran, Russia and North Korea to “counter aggression” by those Governments. In one of the more controversial provisions, the legislation requires Congressional approval to terminate the Russian sanctions before the president can make changes.
Turkish Straits: Transit time increased to 168 hours
2 August – The Turkish authorities have on 28 July 2017 implemented a new rule stating that the maximum stopover period has been increased from 48 hours to 168 hours, i.e. 7 days.
West Africa P&I Issues
11 August – The Swedish Club has recevied valuable information regarding various P&I issues concerning West African countries, which the Club believes will be of interest for its Members.
Greek Law Memo on Crew and Passengers Claims
11 August – The Swedish Club has received valuable information regarding crew and passenger claims under Greek law (jurisdiction, applicable law and substantive law issues), which the Club believes will be of interest for its Members.
Philippines: Restricted Nationals – Vessels may be refused entry into ports in Mindanao
17 August – The Swedish Club has been informed by PANDIMAN Philippines Inc. regarding international vessels with crews of certain nationalities not being allowed to proceed to ports in Mindanao due to the armed conflict between government forces and Islamic terrorist groups.
Yemen port update
18 August – Ports open as per 15 August 2017.
IMO has issued Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Security
24 August – IMO has issued guidelines on how to enhance maritime cyber security. The guidelines conclude the work to address cyber risks should start at senior managerial level.
USCG Developments – U.S. Ballast Water Regulations
25 August – Read about the latest U.S. Ballast Water Regulations from the U.S. Coast Guard HQ Office of Operating and Environmental Standards.
Update on Hurricane Harvey
30 August – US Coast Guard has issued an update on port conditions in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. For the most up-to-date port information, go to www.homeport.uscg.mil, click on “port directory” and choose coast guard unit “Houston-Galveston”.
Club News
Shipping Podcast: The story behind the new Maritime Labour Convention, MLC
3 August – In episode 64, you meet Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry and she talks about her lengthy career within the United Nations and especially her work with the new Maritime Labour Convention, MLC, where 68 instruments now finally are merged into one single Convention.
Shipping Podcast: The benefits of a remote controlled container management
11 August – Catja Hjorth Rasmussen, Head of Equipment Excellence at Maersk Line, explains why it took 5 years to complete the remote control container management project, which is now in full operation at Maersk Line.
Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.