Egypt

Damage to fenders at El Dekeila port

The Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Association has recently assisted a Member whose ship was threatened with detention by the Alexandria Port Authority immediately prior to sailing as a result of alleged damage to a fender at El Dekeila port.

The Alexandria Port Authority is known to insist upon immediate payment of claims prior to the departure of any ship alleged to have caused damage. Unfortunately in this case notification of the damage and the resulting claim was not made immediately after the ship's berthing but rather just before the ship was due to sail, many days later.

In this case the Master is adamant that the berthing was quite normal and that the fender was damaged prior to the arrival of his ship.

In the light of this incident, the Association recommends that Members alert Masters of any ships calling at Alexandria, and in particular El Dekeila port, to check the condition of the fenders as the ship approaches the berth and to point out to the attending pilot any concerns that the Master has regarding their condition. If possible it would be very advantageous to take photographs of any damage as soon as it is observed, i.e. whilst the ship is still some distance off the berth and to note protest if it is of sufficient concern.

The Association's local Correspondent should be contacted immediately in circumstances where any allegation of damages is made or any pre-existing damage is observed, or if any damage actually occurs during the berthing operation.