Insights

As 1st January, 2020 looms large, with less than a month to go, many operators have started to use low sulphur fuels and, in line with industry predictions, issues are already being experienced in relation to the measurement of sulphur levels. In particular, it appears that purported “low sulphur” bunkers are regularly being found to be above the required 0.50% limit and discrepancies between test results for the same bunkers are being noted.

Enhanced sanctions have been imposed against IRSL and E-Sail as part of the US’s action against Iranian entities linked to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction...

Is it necessary for a guarantor to pay even if the underlying liability is disputed? This was considered recently in Rubicon Vantage International Pte Ltd v KrisEnergy Ltd (The “Rubicon Vantage”) [2019] EWHC 2012 (Comm). Read more...

As reported on 13th October, 2019, the US imposed sanctions on Turkey in response to Turkey’s military activity in Syria.  Only 10 days later, on 23rd October, 2019, following Turkey’s agreement to a ceasefire in Syria, the sanctions have been lifted.  There are no longer any US sanctions in place against Turkey.  

The first IMO 2020 compliant low sulphur fuels (“LSFO”) are starting to be trialled and appear on the market, but at present it is still really anyone’s guess as to how these new types of fuels will behave. Linked with this uncertainty are a myriad of potential concerns as to fuel quality and handling issues. We outline some practical and contractual precaution that can be taken to minimise risk and scope for disputes. Find out more....