Claims for shortage of bulk cargoes have become common in some Vietnamese ports and can lead to the arrest of the vessel by the receivers. Two of the ports frequently involved are Phu My (Cai Mep) in the south and Cai Lan in the north.
Gard Alert: Shortages of bulk cargo in Vietnamese ports
Published 10 July 2016
Some vessels entered with Gard have recently been confronted with shortage claims upon discharge in Vietnam. One vessel was arrested, as the cargo insurers did not accept security in any form and insisted on a cash settlement in order to release the vessel.
Our correspondents in Vietnam have issued a circular covering a similar trend. According to our correspondents, the discharge weights are normally determined by draft survey only and not by shore side weighing scales and our correspondents understand that stated draft readings and/or soundings may not accurately reflect the actual readings and instead show slightly larger shortages than would normally be the case. It is also worth noting that Vietnam does not accept a customary trade allowance generally agreed to be 0.5%.
In view of the above, Gard’s Members and clients scheduled to discharge bulk cargo in Vietnam, should consider appointing competent independent surveyors to conduct draft surveys at both the loading and discharging port.
We would like to thank our correspondents, Spica Services (Vietnam Office), for their assistance in preparing this Alert.
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