P&I club addresses tanker cargo shortages

A new publication from the UK P&I focuses on one of the major sources of cargo-related claims in the tanker sector – cargo shortage.

`How to prevent tanker cargo shortage claims', subtitled `The cause of claims and how to avoid them during pre-loading, loading and unloading,' follows on and complements the recently published UK Club `Tanker Contamination Claims Checklist'.

This publication identifies the main causes of cargo loss, the discrepancy between what was loaded and what was discharged, arising from both on board and shoreside failings and compiles the key points to consider in several distinct sections running from the pre-loading phase through to discharge.

It begins by considering whether the vessel is suitable for the nominated cargo(es) to be loaded. Ensuring, so far as practical, whether the charterers have provided adequate information, cargo planning and maintaining records during loading and on passage are all detailed.

Any meeting with terminal staff should not be limited to filling out cargo and safety checklists, said the Club. It is in the vessel's interest for the chief officer to take these opportunities to build a strong working relationship with shore personnel. Likewise a good relationship should be developed with the cargo inspector.

Establishing the amount of cargo loaded is of course critical. Claims for alleged shortages after completion of discharge are always based on the difference between the net bill of lading and outturn quantities in the first instance.

Even if both terminals carry out their measurements diligently, each will (quite legally) round off temperature and ullage readings in its favour, so differences are only to be expected.

In general, the bill of lading quantity may be overstated and the outturn quantity may be understated. In the absence of a like for like comparison, the vessel is the only common factor and therefore the measurements taken on board are extremely important, warned the UK Club.

The checklist also points out that cargo inspectors are, like all of us, human and therefore do from time to time make errors. Causes of errors and how to avoid them are detailed.

When unloading, again a good relationship with the cargo inspector at the discharge port is essential, the club said.

The checklist, which comes in an easy to carry form, was produced by the UK P&I Club with the assistance of Capt David Payne of Associated Petroleum Consultants.

The club also reminded owners of the existence of a DVD - `Tanker Matters'. This focuses on some of the most frequent causes of tanker cargo claims and how to avoid them. The DVD can be viewed continuously, or scene by scene.