Intertanko has urged its members to take measures to assist the global efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19
Intertanko has advised members to assume that issues linked to the coronavirus outbreak will last for several months.
Intertanko’s advice to its membership is to plan ahead and undertake a SIRE/CDI inspection at the earliest opportunity, including on loading or idle if possible, to inform charterers of any cancelled inspections and to remind charterers that inspection reports are maintained on the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI) systems for 12 months or longer from the date of receipt and remain valid.
Time restrictions on their validity are the choice of individual charterers, Intertanko said.
Members have also been advised to keep detailed records of all refusals/cancellations of inspections and any problems related to travel for seafarers, superintendents, inspectors and repair technicians.
Intertanko has drafted chartering provisions to address Covid-19 for both time and spot fixtures which includes wording providing for SIRE inspection to be suspended in some cases.
Intertanko chairman Paolo d’Amico urged charterers to take measures similar to the ones suggested by IMO, International Labour Organisation and the World Health Organization. These suggested measures call on states to adopt a flexible approach and implement force majeure measures.
Mr d’Amico encouraged charterers to show pragmatism in applying internal rules and preferences and to recognise the efforts Intertanko members are making to comply with inspection regimes.
Intertanko said members are currently unable to comply with the normal rules and that flexibility is needed to ensure sufficient tonnage to carry the world’s oil, gas and petroleum products to avoid any knock-on effects to the global economy.
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