Bulletin 796 – 1111 – Measures to prevent port congestion – Gabon
A recent meeting of Port officials in Owendo, Gabon finalised details of precautions to be taken in an attempt to counter potential port congestion in Gabon resulting from the expected increase of maritime traffic due to the preparations of the soon to be hosted Africa Cup of Nations.
Gabon has spent more than 500 million Dollars as it prepares for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations which the it is co-hosting with its neighbour, Equatorial Guinea. Gabon is working around the clock to finish preparations before the kickoff on 21st January 2012. Although the main stadium has been completed Gabon remains hard at work preparing infrastructure to host the games.
It is anticipated that the already congested port will see increased imports of cars, wheat, malt, bitumen, frozen chicken, fish etc during the games and has, with immediate effect, granted cargoes related to the games priority over all other traffic. More specifically, the ports’ two main berths will give priority to Ro-Ro vessels carrying goods related to the tournament. Vessels carrying cargoes such as cement, iron, gypsum or other bulk cargoes will be obliged to discharge on the roads.
As can be imagined these actions will impact shippers and carriers in many ways. Port congestion is likely to rise which may in turn give rise to cargo claims associated with time sensitive cargoes. Discharging in unfamiliar conditions may also give rise to claims where there may be inadequate port infrastructure. Any member who regularly calls to Gabon and more specifically is scheduled to call to Gabon during the games is advised to contact their local agent in Gabon for the latest information and guidance. The games are scheduled to take place between 21st January 2012 ~ 12th February 2012.
See attached file : Bulletin 796.pdf
预防港口拥挤措施-加蓬
目前，加蓬(Gabon)为准备即将召开的非洲国家杯足球赛，海上运输量增多，奥文多(Owendo)港口官员为此开会并最终决定应对加蓬潜在港口拥挤的预防措施之细节。
明年非洲国家杯足球赛由加蓬和其邻国赤道几内亚(Equatorial Guinea)共同主办，加蓬已为准备这场比赛花费了5亿美元。为赶在2012年1月21日前完成准备工作，加蓬日夜奋战。尽管主体育场已经完工，但是加蓬仍努力加紧基础设施的建设。
预计已经拥挤的港口，在比赛期间会增加汽车、小麦、麦芽、沥青、冻鸡和鱼的进口，同时受比赛的影响，允许运输比赛相关货物的船舶优先于其他船舶。具体而言，港口的两个主要码头将给予载有比赛相关货物的滚装船优先权。船舶装载的水泥、铁、石膏或其他散装货物只能卸载到道路上。
可以想象，这些措施将在很多方面影响到货主和承运人。港口拥挤很可能引起时间敏感性货物的索赔。同时，在港口基础设施不足的陌生环境下卸载货物，也会引起索赔。协会建议经常停靠加蓬港口，具体而言，在比赛期间计划停靠加蓬港口的会员，请联系加蓬当地代理以了解最新信息和指导。非洲国家杯足球赛计划于2012年1月21日到2月12日举行。
详细信息请参阅附件。
