Extortions

There are several reports of this instances.

In a case reported by BIMCO, the customs at Abidjan found irregularities as the quantity of lube oil declared exceeded the actual quantity on board. A fine of US$5,260 was requested which could be reduced to US$2,260 if cash was paid. The master refused to accept the breach and requested the attendance of the P&I Club to verify the quantity of lube oil on board. The customs refused to accept this arrangement and arrested the vessel and demanded a fine of US$180,000. Eventually the P&I Club negotiated with the customs to revert to their original fine of US$5,260 subject to a cash payment. The vessel lost half a day due to this incident.

In another incident at Nigeria, the port informed the master the crew’s seaman books were invalid as they should be issued by the ship’s flag state and not of another state even though this meets all international standards. Such false allegations of breaches could be resolved with cash payments.

We suggest owners include into their charterparties a clause which transfers onto the charterers the additional expenditure to resolve / conclude such alleged breaches which are not defined by the local legislature, and further all delays arising from such situations to be for charterers’ account.