Press release: ITIC warns against letting speed affect accuracy

To maintain flexibility, charterers often request that the shipbroker fix the vessels to discharge at a specified number of ports within a defined range. But it’s important that the broker clearly understands the definition of that range and which ports it includes.

A recent claim handled by the International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) involved a fixture identifying a discharge in a north China range designated as “1-2 port(s) Quingdao-Dongying”. This fixture was completed and, later, the same broker was asked by the same charterer to place a further cargo – this time destined for Jinzhou. The broker approached the same shipowner and agreed terms on the basis of the original fixture. An approaching holiday encouraged the broker to fix quickly, which he did but without checking if Jinzhou was within the designated range – it wasn’t.

When voyage orders were passed, the vessel owners were not happy to proceed to Jinzhou as it was outside the range and located in a potential ice zone. The vessel was not ice classed.

After discussion, the shipowner agreed to discharge at Jinzhou for an additional US25,000 and full protection against any issue or damage involving ice. With ITIC’s agreement, the shipbroker was able to indemnify the charterer.

Whilst intermediaries face many pressures, it is important for agreements to be checked and re-checked, even when haste is deemed necessary.

Ends

For further information please contact:
Katerina Dimitropoulos, Navigate PR
T: +44 203 326 8463
E: kdimitropoulos@navigatepr.com

About ITIC

International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) is the world’s leading provider of professional indemnity insurance to transport professionals across the globe.

As a mutual insurer, it has over 90 years’ experience providing cover to companies in the marine, naval architecture, aviation, offshore and hydrographic industries. With 3,100 members in over 110 countries and with a worldwide network of correspondents, ITIC is the acknowledged leader in its field.

ITIC’s insurance has been developed primarily to cover claims of negligence – errors or omissions. Cover can also extend to specialist areas such as debt collection, loss of commission income, cyber liability, cash in transit and directors’ and officers’ insurance. ITIC’s wide cover also includes a unique discretionary insurance which could support claims not normally be paid by other professional indemnity insurers.