Counting confusion

A new regulation was issued by local maritime authorities in South America, stipulating the type and number of tugs to be used depending on the size of a vessel.

A ship agent provided a pro forma invoice to a shipowner, but incorrectly accounted for the number of tugs to be used. When the vessel arrived the error was noticed, however there was not an additional tug available and one had to be chartered from another port.

The shipowner brought a claim against the agent for the extra expenses and idle time, which totalled USD 70,500. As the error was clearly the fault of the agent, ITIC settled the claim in full.

Port agents need to be aware of all new regulations and to ensure all their staff are briefed correctly.