How to avoid any disputes on Dry bulk Cargo quantities at Discharge Port?

How to avoid any disputes on Dry bulk Cargo quantities at Discharge Port?

We come across with multiple cases of cargo shortage especially when vessel has been loaded with cargo by shore scale at load port and it is discharged at multiple discharge Ports by draft surveys.  We also experience cargo shortage when vessel has been loaded with cargo at load port anchorage or at Jetty and cargo discharge at Multiple discharge Ports or at anchorage.

Vessel’s deck officer not focused on discharge conditions at different ports results in cargo shortage claims against vessel/owners.

What should we do to avoid any disputes on Dry bulk Cargo quantities at Discharge Port:

(A)At Load Port, please Carry out the following:

1.                 Draft Survey must be correct.

2.                 Correct calculation of Vessel’s Constant (Vessel may be declared constant with earlier cargo records, which may not be correct or be just estimated).

3.                 Ballast must be properly calculated at load ports. A discrepancy in ballast calculation results in cargo discrepancy.

4.                 Vessel must use certified hydrometers and carefully carry out draft survey calculations to determine cargo quantity loaded.

5.                 Grain Cargo is usually loaded at ports like USA, Australia, Canada, Argentina, Brazil by shore scale. Though the shore scales are very correct but even then, shore scale must be compared by vessel’s draft survey. In case of shortage of cargo from shore scale, draft survey quantity to be mentioned on mates’ receipt.

6.                 In case Clean Bill of lading & Mate’s receipt is to be issued, owners must ask charterers to provide LOI for difference in shore scale and draft survey quantity.

7.                 P&I Surveyor attendance must be arranged at load port to ascertain cargo quantity and hatch sealing. Surveyor opinion must be taken in case of ship/shore discrepancy of cargo.

8.                 For owner’s safeguard, SOF to be properly remarked about port of loading and means of loading. Also issue Letter of Protest for Ship-shore difference of quantity and for fumigation.

(B) In case of multiple port discharge, vessels must issue a Letter of Protest for multiple port discharge stating that vessel shall not be responsible for individual port quantities/any overlanding/short landing at any of disport. Vessel shall be only responsible for total discharged quantity. Frequent draft surveys must be carried out while discharging & care need to be taken to avoid any over-discharging. Charterers must be requested to issue LOI to owners in this matter.

(C) Vessel should put remarks regarding swell height in draft survey report at Load and discharge port.

(D)Theft of cargo is common in many ports. Ship staff must be vigilant. Photographic evidence of any cargo spillage must be taken and Letter of Protest must be issued stating that vessel shall not be responsible for any cargo shortage or cargo short landing.

(E ) During Sailing, ship’s crew are advised to record the cargo parameters & also fumigation precautions to be recorded. Ventilation to be carried out based on parameters to avoid cargo damage.

*At discharge port “Madhab Marine & Logistics Private Limited “provide Port Captain   Attendance during entire cargo attendance.

Port Captain from “Madhab Marine & Logistics Private Limited” attends vessels at discharge port and guide ship captain and crew with our expertise and experiences. We continuously monitor her discharge operations at all stages and ensure that she discharges her nominated quantity at every disport. 

With the above stated precautions, Vessel shall be able to avoid cargo disputes at discharge port.

Experts from “Madhab Marine & Logistics Private Limited” takes care of interests of concerned parties.

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