Tag: Gard Club

The IMO has adopted a new voluntary speed restriction scheme in the North-West Mediterranean Sea to protect local whale populations. This area is also marked on the newly released global whale chart aimed at helping seafarers in planning their voyages to reduce the risk of vessel-whale collisions, Gard highlights. 

Gard P&I Club answers some of the trade-related and contractual questions shipowners might have in this turbulent and highly volatile situation that is currently underway in Israel.

The Gard P&I Club highlights that the situation in Israel remains volatile and recommends assessing all port calls in the country on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate measures should be incorporated into ship contingency plans.

According to Gard P&I Club, regional conflicts, military activity, and political tensions continue to pose threats to commercial vessels operating in high risk areas such as the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Western Indian Ocean.

A year from now, all vessels subject to the Ballast Water Management Convention must have an approved ballast water treatment system installed onboard, Gard P&I Club experts highlight.

Kunal Pathak, Loss Prevention Manager, Asia at Gard P&I Club, highlights that the industry needs to change mindset, switching from the typical blame culture to safety learning through incidents and human errors.

As Gard P&I Club informs, after the fishing ban in China is lifted on September first, operators of ships transiting the area should be aware that there is a risk of collision with fishing vessels. 

History tells us that as with many progressive steps in the area of human rights, change at an institutional or inter-governmental level is driven by committed individuals and non-governmental organisations, argue Live Jacob Sydness, Vice President, Sustainable Business and Neil Henderson, Senior Executive, Industry Liaison of Gard P&I Club. 

While all Libyan ports, except for Sirte, are reported to be operational for internationally trading ships, Gard Club recommends assessing all port calls on a case-by-case basis and ensuring appropriate protective measures are incorporated into ship security plans.

Gard Club has published an alert to warn masters and crews operating along the US/Canadian East Coast to maintain a good lookout for North Atlantic right whales and follow the speed restrictions in force at any given time.