Loss Prevention Advice
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In early May, ICHCA International welcomed a key amendment to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which strengthens safety requirements for shipping ammonium nitrate.
Key provisions of the amendment
The revised clause 7.6.2.8.4 clarifies that under-deck carriage of ammonium nitrate and related fertilizers is permissible only if all hatches, including tween deck hatches, can be readily opened in an emergency. This ensures effective firefighting measures, such as maximum ventilation and boundary cooling, can be implemented promptly.
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Medical Solutions Services (MSS), has published its first USCG Tac Plus Newsletter of 2025: Health Spotlight: Sun Exposure & Dehydration.
According to the newsletter, two serious challenges facing seafarers heading into the warmer seasons are sun exposure and dehydration. This alert describes both, along with solutions and recommendations to avoid while working on and off the vessel.
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Proposed Actions’ published by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, or USTR, in February 2025 that would have widespread ramifications for the shipping industry. Those proposals for substantial port fees followed an investigation commenced by the Biden administration into what it referred to as China’s dominance of maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors.
Following a period of consultation with industry that has resulted in many changes to those ‘Proposed Actions’, the USTR confirmed on 17 April 2025 that the following fees will be applied and phased in from 14 October 2025 to Chinese owned, operated and built vessels: -
Phased Fees on Maritime Transport Services – Annex I
A phased fee on Chinese vessel operators and vessel owners will apply. This fee, based on the net tonnage of the vessel, is assessed against any vessel with a Chinese operator or owned by an entity of China (as defined in Annex I).
If a vessel makes multiple U.S. entries before transiting to a foreign destination, this fee is assessed per rotation or string of U.S. port calls. The fee will be set at $0 for the first 180 days, will then be set at $50/NT, and will increase incrementally over the next three years. The fee will be charged up to five times per year, per vessel.
Full advisory at the following link.
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Following our previous circular dated 6th May 2025 regarding the security situation in Port Sudan, we would like to provide the following update:
The security situation in and around Port Sudan remains stable and under full control. Local authorities continue to ensure the safety and continuity of port operations across all terminals.
Key operational updates as of today:
- Northern Port Terminal: While no new vessels have berthed since yesterday, existing vessels remain in place and continue their operations normally, including discharging imports and loading exports.
- Southern Port Terminal: As previously noted, port activity has resumed. A new container vessel, has successfully berthed and initiated operations at the southern terminal, marking the return to operational status in this section.
We expect port activities to continue smoothly and efficiently. However, we advise all maritime partners to:
- Coordinate closely with local agents for vessel scheduling and operational timing.
- Anticipate possible minor delays as the port returns to full rhythm.
- Stay updated via official channels and verified correspondents.