Tag: Gard Club

Lithium batteries and the potential fire hazard they pose in electric vehicles (EVs) during transportation by sea, is a vital issue in shipping industry, and the risk of fire should not be downplayed, Gard highlights. 

According to Gard, the Amazon region is currently suffering from one of the worst droughts in years. Smoke from fires around the city Manaus is further hampering navigability in the rivers.

According to Gard, on 22 September 2023, the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) issued two circulars addressing the prevention of collisions between commercial and fishing vessels in Chinese waters. These circulars specifically identify high-risk areas (HRAs) prone to such incidents and provide valuable guidance on collision prevention in these waters.

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.

According to Gard, the number of stern tube-related damage claims has increased considerably over the last few years and such damages are now one of the more frequent claim types handled by Gard under the hull and machinery policies.

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.

Gard highlights that, on 29 September 2023, a vessel was boarded by thieves whilst at anchor in Callao, Peru. The perpetrators tied up the duty crew and shore watchmen on routine rounds and held them at knifepoint, before escaping with the ship’s stores, reports the IMB PRC.  

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.