Loss Prevention Advice
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Several serious incidents have been linked to clay cargoes; they point to a troubling gap between theoretical classification and real-world behaviour.
As explained by V. Rama Chandran, Assistant Vice President, Technical Manager, Skuld, under the IMSBC Code, clay is classified as a Group C cargo, meaning it is not considered susceptible to liquefaction. However, operational experience and laboratory testing suggest otherwise.
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Operating and passing through power-operated watertight doors remain one of the most overlooked yet potentially fatal hazards on board ships, Gard Club highlights.
As explained by Gard, watertight doors are critical safety barriers, designed to maintain a vessel’s stability and buoyancy in the event of flooding. However, their power and closing speed can pose a serious threat to crew members, especially when procedures are misunderstood, ignored, or bypassed.
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On April 28, 2026, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) published FAQ 1249 regarding sanctions risks associated with “toll” payments to Iran for safe passage through the strait of Hormuz. Additionally, on April 28, 2026, OFAC published a sanctions Alert titled “Sanctions Risk of Dealing with Teapot Oil Refineries.” OFAC FAQ 1249 The FAQ makes clear that payments to the Government of Iran or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), directly or indirectly, for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would not be authorized for U.S. persons, including financial institutions, or for U.S.-owned or controlled foreign entities. Such payments would also create significant sanctions exposure for non-U.S. persons.
Specifically, foreign financial institutions and other non-U.S. person’s risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons.
This includes the Government of Iran and the IRGC, which is sanctioned pursuant to several authorities, including non-proliferation and counterterrorism sanctions authorities, and is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Full advisory at the following link.
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A merchant vessel transiting southbound through the Somali Basin was approached by a single skiff, approximately 470 nautical miles off Somalia, east-northeast of Mogadishu.
As explained, the skiff, carrying an estimated 6–7 persons dressed in black clothing, approached from the vessel’s bow. Those onboard were observed carrying equipment assessed as suitable for boarding or climbing.
In response, the vessel’s armed security team implemented established onboard protocols, deploying externally and visibly displaying their weapons as a deterrent. Following this action, the skiff discontinued its approach and withdrew, reportedly heading back toward a suspected mothership located approximately 1.2 nautical miles from the vessel.