Nigeria

Contact with bollard at Port Harcourt

One of our clients recently received a claim from the Nigerian Ports Authority alleging the vessel had contacted the bollard and caused damage for about US$16,000. After investigations it was apparent the vessel could not have made contact with the bollard as the vessel berthed at a place elsewhere to the alleged damaged bollard, and further the bollard had been damaged for a considerable period of time of many years during which many vessels have used this bollard. We are advised this same bollard may have been the subject of several successful claims of damage made against various vessels without any repairs having been carried out to the bollard.

The master should be instructed to make a brief examination of shore bollards, fenders and wharfs prior to the vessel berthing, and if damage is noted a protest letter should be given to the port authority and the charterers.

Reference is requested to the recent London Club circular in which several incidences attributable to defective port facilities have occurred which have caused loss and damage to vessels.