Russia

Damage to oil loading arms

London Club has advised members to be aware of claims in Russia when an entered vessel caused damage to oil terminal's loading arms when berthing at port Tuapse. The terminal operator required a bank guarantee for US$ 2.3 million. It is reported that attempts were made by the terminal to use their influence to delay the local bank from issuing the bank guarantee and when the bank could not delay any further, the terminal initiated a criminal enquiry into the incident which delayed the vessel further. It is said these attempts by the terminal was to wilfully cause substantial losses to the vessel for the purpose of negotiating an immediate cash settlement prior to the vessel departing. All delays to vessel as a result of contacts and collisions are covered under the Strike Club cover, including delays due to the failure to provide suitable security timely and delays wilfully caused by claimants.