Measure for measure

CARGO A new UK P&I Club publication aims to minimise cargo shortage claims for tanker operators

The UK P&I Club has released a new advisory publication entitled How to prevent tanker cargo shortage claims: The cause of claims and how to avoid them during pre-loading, loading and unloading.

Following on from the Club’s recent publication, the Tanker Contamination Claims Checklist, the new booklet tackles the major causes of cargo loss claims in the tanker sector: the discrepancy between what was loaded and what was discharged.

The checklist compiles the key points to consider, running from the pre-loading phase through to discharge, and is designed to mitigate against both onboard and shoreside failings during these operations.

First item on the checklist is a fundamental question: is the ship suitable to carry the cargo(es)? The publication provides detail on how best to ensure that the charterers have provided adequate information, cargo planning and maintaining records during loading and on passage.

Interaction with terminal staff should not be limited to filling out cargo and safety checklists, the Club says. The chief officer should take these opportunities to build a strong working relationship with shore personnel.

UK P&I CLUB IS MANAGED BY THOMAS MILLER

How to prevent tanker

cargo shortage claims

A good relationship should also be maintained with the cargo inspector, as accurately establishing the volume of cargo loaded and unloaded is critical. After discharge has been completed, claims for alleged shortages are always based on the difference between the net bill of lading and outturn quantities in the first instance.

Some disparity, however, is to be expected. Even if both terminals record their measurements diligently, each will round off temperature and ullage readings in its favour, generally resulting in the bill of lading quantity being overstated and the outturn quantity understated. In the absence of a like-for-like comparison, the ship is the only common factor and therefore the measurements taken on board are extremely important.

Human error also enters into discrepancies in measurement, and the checklist details causes of such mistakes and how to prevent them.

The checklist is available to download from the UK P&I website at www.ukpandi.com/loss-prevention/checklists/. Hard copies are also available from the Club.