The North of England P&I Club has issued Loss Prevention Briefing in order to advice members on the Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM), a serious pest that can be carried on ships and cargo.
AGM populations are prevalent in some seaport areas in Far East Russia, Japan, Korea, and Northern China. If introduced, AGM could have significant negative impacts on the North American plant resource base, commerce that relies on those plant resources, and to market access.
Vessels must arrive in North American Ports free of AGM and with required pre- departure certification. In all cases of vessels arriving without the required AGM certification, or upon detection of AGM, significant delays in cargo loading or discharging activities as well as in routine clearance can occur, resulting in loss of revenue to the shipping line and associated parties.
Actions taken
- Vessels must be inspected and must obtain pre – departure certfication.
- Vessels must arrive in North American ports free of AGM
- Vessels must arrive in North American port of call data at least 96 hours prior to arrival in a North American port.
It is important that inspection and certification be conducted as close to time of departure as feasible. It is also of vital importance that ship’s crew ensures freedom from AGM by conducting inspection of the ship superstructure while en route to North America and removing and destroying all life stages of AGM detected.
The shipping industry has significantly enhanced its awareness of necessary quarantine compliance for AGM.
Further details may be found in the report herebelow
Source: North of England P&I Club
