The UK P&I Club informs that problems with fender and berth claims in Egypt which were previously reported, still exist and reminds operators to take the following precautions in order to avoid such claims:
• Crew should try to take pictures of fender condition prior to vessels arrival, or instruct a surveyor to investigate the condition of the fender prior to vessels arrival and after departure. This will help the Operators to avoid being fined for a pre-existing damage. It will assist us to challenge the port authorities, if a pre-existing damage is evident. The Club knows of a few cases which were successfully challenged and the fine substantially reduced, or even cancelled due to pre-existent damage.
• If there is a claim, the Club recommends operators to contacttheir local correspondents who will instruct a surveyor to attend jointly with the Port Authorities, while they are assessing the damage
Source: The UK P&I Club