The Standard P&I Club issued a web alert reminding that direct trade between Qatar and seven other states remains restricted or prohibited. However, the Club noted, the restrictions do not extend to situations simply where a discharge port sequence involves Qatar and one or more of the Restricting States.
Dated in June 2017, the restrictions involve Qatar and seven other states- namely Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, Libya and the Maldives (the Restricting States).
The restrictions relates to discharge of goods originating from Qatar in one or more of the Restricting States, and to discharge of goods originating from one or more of the Restricting States in Qatar. Vessels that are Qatari-flagged or owned/operated by Qatari nationals are also subject to restrictions.
As a general rule, however, the restrictions do not extend to situations simply where a discharge port sequence involves Qatar and one or more of the Restricting States,
…explained Chris Moxon, Senior Claims Executive, Standard Club.
If, therefore, a vessel is to discharge at a port in a Restricting State, followed by or preceded by discharge at a port in Qatar, this will not generally be prohibited by the Restricting States.
If, however, it is envisaged that a vessel will call at a port in Qatar and a port in a Restricting State, members should first check the position with local agents and the club’s correspondents. The applicability of the restrictions to a particular situation depends on the specific facts, and the above is to be seen as general guidance only,
